The bill amends the Public School Funding Act of 2003 to adjust funding amounts for public schools in Arkansas, particularly in response to the requirements set forth by the LEARNS Act. It establishes legislative findings that emphasize the General Assembly's duty to provide suitable and efficient public education, including a minimum salary for teachers and necessary funding for insurance contributions. The bill outlines the intent to assist public school districts in meeting these salary requirements, create a more efficient funding process, and gradually phase out teacher salary equalization funding to enhance average teacher salaries.

Key amendments include changes to the foundation funding amounts for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, increasing the per-student funding and alternative learning environment funding, as well as adjustments to funding for English learners and Enhanced Student Achievement funding. The bill also specifies the statewide target average annual salary for teachers and the corresponding equalization funding for the upcoming school years. Notably, the foundation funding amount for the 2025-2026 school year is set at $8,162, which includes a $320 contribution for state-sponsored insurance, while the funding for English learners is increased to $375 per student.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1312 V2 - 4-7-2025 11:00 AM: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)
Old version HB1312 V3 - 4-9-2025 10:50 AM: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)
Old version HB1312 Original - 1-29-2025 02:58 PM: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)
HB 1312: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)
Act 909: 6-20-2305(a), 6-20-2305(b)