AR HB1602

Allows public school districts to implement a school week that is not a five-day week (such as a four-day week) by majority vote of the school district board of directors.

Requires that any non-five-day school week must meet the total number of instructional hours required by the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

Exempts school districts implementing a non-five-day school week from the requirement that Memorial Day be a holiday if the school year extends beyond Memorial Day and the board votes to extend the year to meet hour requirements.

Authorizes school districts to extend the school day and/or school year by majority board vote to meet total instructional hour requirements when implementing a non-five-day school week.

Requires the State Board of Education to establish standards and guidelines for average daily membership calculations and state aid distribution to ensure equitable funding for non-five-day school week operations.