This bill amends Arkansas Code 6-13-611(c) to establish a new process for filling vacancies on school district boards of directors. The time frame for appointing a replacement has been extended from thirty days to ninety days. Additionally, if the board fails to fill the vacancy within this period, the county quorum court will take over the responsibility of appointing a new member. The bill also introduces a requirement for school districts to publish a notice of the vacancy at least thirty days prior to the appointment meeting, detailing the vacancy, meeting date, and application requirements through various communication channels.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the petition process for candidates wishing to fill the vacancy, requiring them to submit a petition signed by at least twenty qualified electors from the relevant district or zone. The school district board or county quorum court must acknowledge receipt of the petition and inform candidates if their petitions are insufficient. Candidates who submit valid petitions will be allowed to present their candidacy in a public meeting before a vote is taken. The bill emphasizes transparency by mandating that all discussions regarding the vacancy occur in open public meetings rather than in executive sessions. If no valid petitions are received after following the outlined process, alternative methods may be used to fill the vacancy.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB484 V2 - 4-1-2025 03:05 PM: 6-13-611(c)
Old version SB484 Original - 3-17-2025 04:11 PM: 6-13-611(c)
SB 484: 6-13-611(c)
Act 726: 6-13-611(c)