This bill amends existing laws to grant public school districts in Arkansas the authority to implement a school week that is not limited to the traditional five-day schedule. Specifically, it allows districts to adopt a four-day school week or any other configuration as determined by a majority vote of the school district board of directors. The bill also permits these districts to extend the school day or school year to ensure they meet the total number of instructional hours required by the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

Key changes include the removal of the requirement that Memorial Day be a holiday for districts extending their school year beyond that date, provided they have adopted a non-five-day school week. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the State Board of Education will establish guidelines for districts implementing these alternative schedules, ensuring that they receive equitable state funding comparable to those operating on a traditional five-day schedule. Overall, the legislation aims to provide greater flexibility in school scheduling while maintaining educational standards.

Statutes affected:
HB 1602: 6-10-106(c)