The "Teacher Fair Dismissal Act of 2025" seeks to reform the dismissal and nonrenewal processes for teachers in Arkansas by establishing a new standard of "just and reasonable cause" for termination, replacing the previous requirement that dismissals be non-arbitrary, capricious, or discriminatory. The act emphasizes substantial compliance with its provisions and relevant personnel policies, rather than strict compliance, and mandates clear documentation and communication of termination or nonrenewal recommendations to affected teachers. Additionally, it clarifies that agreements for traveling teacher services are exempt from the act's provisions and specifies that teachers who have served three consecutive years in a district are no longer considered probationary.

The bill also introduces amendments to the procedures for teacher suspension and termination, requiring that notices of suspension be delivered in person or via registered mail, and allowing superintendents to suspend teachers without prior notice if immediate action is deemed necessary. Following a suspension, written notification detailing the reasons must be provided within two school days. The act ensures that teachers have the right to request a hearing regarding their termination or nonrenewal and outlines the process for such hearings. Furthermore, it limits the disclosure of suspension details to what is necessary for safety and specifies that a suspended teacher's salary will cease once the suspension is upheld by the school board. The act reinforces teacher protections by stating that its provisions cannot be waived in cases of fiscal or facilities distress.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1025 Original - 11-20-2024 02:43 PM: 6-13-808, 6-15-2610, 6-17-201, 6-17-3001, 6-15-2804(a), 6-17-204(c), 6-17-812(b), 6-17-2807(g), 6-20-1909(a), 6-21-811(g)
Old version HB1025 V2 - 1-16-2025 03:18 PM: 6-13-808, 6-15-2610, 6-17-201, 6-17-3001, 6-15-2804(a), 01-16-2025, 6-17-204(c), 6-17-812(b), 6-17-2807(g), 6-20-1909(a), 6-21-811(g)
HB 1025: 6-13-808, 6-15-2610, 6-17-201, 6-17-3001, 6-15-2804(a), 6-17-204(c), 6-17-812(b), 6-17-2807(g), 6-20-1909(a), 6-21-811(g)