AR HB1810

Merges the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf into a single entity called the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind, effective July 1, 2025

Consolidates governance under one five-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor and one superintendent selected by the board in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Education

Increases the combined fund allocation from approximately $20 million (previously split between two accounts of $8.2M and $11.8M) to a single Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind Fund Account of $20,031,769

Raises the special allowance cap for employees performing additional duties (coaching, sponsoring clubs, interpretive services) from $3,500 to $5,000 per school term

Repeals separate subchapters governing the Arkansas School for the Blind (Subchapter 2) and the Arkansas School for the Deaf (Subchapter 3), transferring all authority, personnel, property, and funds to the merged school