AR SB536

School districts with fewer than 2,000 students in average daily membership may provide by resolution that board members be elected by zone, at large, or a combination thereof.

School districts with 2,000 or more students in average daily membership shall elect board members from either 5 or 7 single-member zones, or from 5 single-member zones and 2 at-large positions.

Districts that elect members at large must adopt a majority-vote resolution determining which election method under the 5 or 7 zone options they will use.

County election commissions must establish zone boundaries with substantially equal population based on census data and ensure racial minorities are represented in proportions reflecting the overall school district population.

Zone candidates must reside in their respective zone, and existing at-large board members may continue serving when districts convert to zone-based elections.