The bill amends the Public Education Reorganization Act by removing the authority of the State Board of Education to mandate administrative consolidations for certain school districts. Specifically, it repeals Arkansas Code 6-13-1602, which required the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to publish a list of school districts with fewer than 350 students and a consolidation list. The bill also modifies provisions related to voluntary consolidations, allowing districts with fewer than 350 students to voluntarily consolidate or annex with other districts, while ensuring that the State Board of Education cannot deny such petitions unless they violate state or federal law or do not contribute to the betterment of education.

Additionally, the bill makes several amendments to existing laws regarding the oversight of school districts with fewer than 350 students, including the authority of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to oversee fiscal matters and the requirement for accurate record-keeping. It also changes the timeline for submitting petitions for waivers from the average daily membership requirement and repeals provisions related to involuntary consolidations and the definition of "Act 60 school district." Overall, the bill aims to provide more autonomy to smaller school districts while maintaining oversight and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB262 Original - 2-14-2023 09:19 AM: 6-13-1603(a), 6-13-1603(b)
Old version SB262 V2 - 3-2-2023 12:35 PM: 6-13-1602, 03-02-2023, 6-13-1603(a), 6-13-1603(b), 6-13-1608(b), 6-13-1608(f), 6-13-1610(a), 6-13-1610(d), 6-13-1613(a), 6-13-1613(c)
SB 262: 6-13-1602, 03-02-2023, 6-13-1603(a), 6-13-1603(b), 6-13-1608(b), 6-13-1608(f), 6-13-1610(a), 6-13-1610(d), 6-13-1613(a), 6-13-1613(c)
Act 461: 6-13-1602, 03-02-2023, 6-13-1603(a), 6-13-1603(b), 6-13-1608(b), 6-13-1608(f), 6-13-1610(a), 6-13-1610(d), 6-13-1613(a), 6-13-1613(c)