AR HB1477

Open-enrollment public charter schools may now submit a single applicant for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year award, expanding eligibility beyond traditional school districts

Charter schools must place their selected Teacher of the Year on paid administrative leave for the following school year, matching existing requirements for traditional public schools

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education will reimburse charter schools for the teacher's salary, benefits, and approved incidental expenses during the administrative leave period

Selected teachers retain the right to return to their former position at the charter school following their service as Arkansas Teacher of the Year

Applications must be submitted no later than April 1 of the selection year, with finalists representing one applicant per education service area plus one for Pulaski County schools