AR SB364

State Board of Education must establish clear, written criteria within two years of assuming control of a Level 5 — Intensive Support district by which the district can exit Level 5 status within five years.

State Board may return a Level 5 district to local control during the second full school year after assumption of authority upon Commissioner recommendation, with powers of the local board of directors potentially limited and subject to Commissioner approval.

If a Level 5 district demonstrates substantial improvement meeting the established criteria, it shall be returned to full local control within five years, contingent upon election of a democratically elected board of directors.

If a Level 5 district fails to meet exit criteria within five years, the State Board must either return it to full local control or annex, consolidate, or reconstitute it under existing law, with any remaining portion returned to local control no later than five years after assumption of authority.

State Board shall promulgate rules establishing criteria for Level 5 districts to exit intensive support status.