HB1041 Summary

• Appropriates $3,459,041,080 for grants and aid to local school districts and special education programs for fiscal year 2024-2025, including $2,206,861,456 for state foundation funding and $246,723,439 for enhanced student achievement funding.

• Establishes 45 maximum employees for the Arkansas Public School Computer Network with $29,438,933 in appropriations for salaries and operating expenses.

• Establishes 4 maximum employees for the Office of Education Renewal Zones with $1,366,069 in appropriations for salaries, operating expenses, and educational renewal zone grants.

• Amends Arkansas Code § 6-10-106 to require school districts to start the academic year between August 14-26 (on or after the Monday containing August 19) and to include five make-up days in academic calendars for days lost to emergencies.

• Takes effect July 1, 2024 as an emergency measure to ensure continuous operation of public school funding and essential educational programs.