This bill amends the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act and the Public School Choice Act of 2015 by changing the deadlines for submitting transfer applications and notifications related to school transfers. Specifically, it establishes that applications for transfers must be submitted no later than June 30 of the year in which the student intends to begin the fall semester, replacing the previous deadline of May 1. Additionally, the bill modifies the notification timeline for school districts, requiring them to inform parents or guardians about the acceptance or rejection of transfer applications by July 30 instead of July 1.

The bill also clarifies that students may transfer from their resident district to a nonresident school district or another public school, provided certain conditions are met, such as the resident district being classified as needing intensive support or having a failing rating. Furthermore, it ensures that foster children have the same application deadlines as other students, with requests needing to be postmarked by June 30. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the transfer process and provide clearer timelines for students and school districts.

Statutes affected:
SB 167: 6-18-227(b), 6-18-227(d), 6-18-227(m), 6-18-233(d), 6-18-1904(f), 6-18-1905(a), 6-18-1905(e)