The bill proposes an appropriation for the Department of Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, detailing funding for personal services and operating expenses across various divisions. It establishes maximum employee numbers and salary grades for positions, including the Secretary of Education, with a total appropriation of $8,311,719 for Shared Services and $22,129,436 for the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's State Operations. Additional funding is allocated for federal grants administration, building maintenance, child nutrition programs, and loans to school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools. Notably, the bill also allocates $50 million for School Safety Grants and $97.5 million for Educational Freedom Accounts.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Professional Licensure Standards Board within the Department of Education, detailing 11 positions with a total salary appropriation of $592,141. It introduces provisions for the carry forward of unexpended funds in the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Fund Account for the following fiscal year and creates a "Position Pool" to address personnel needs. The bill amends the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code to exempt certain educational facilities from storm shelter requirements, ensuring compliance with existing fiscal control laws. An emergency clause is included, mandating that the act takes effect by July 1, 2024, to ensure the continuity of essential governmental programs.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB60 V4 - 4-30-2024 02:46 PM: 04-30-2024
SB 60: 04-30-2024
Act 170: 04-30-2024