The bill amends the Arkansas Code to establish a standardized flexible school calendar system for public schools, effective from the 2026-2027 school year. It requires public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools to start the school year on or after July 1 and to conclude by June 30, while ensuring a minimum of 178 school days and 1,068 instructional hours. The legislation also includes provisions for make-up instructional hours in case of missed days due to emergencies. Additionally, it introduces new definitions and requirements regarding school days and recess, and it repeals the previous section concerning a twelve-month school year, promoting a more adaptable academic calendar.

Moreover, the bill removes provisions that allowed school districts to receive state foundation funding based on a twelve-month operation and repeals sections related to four-day school weeks and emergency school day adjustments. Specifically, it repeals Arkansas Code sections 6-10-117, 6-10-126, and 6-10-127. The bill also amends Arkansas Code 6-15-202(f)(15) to update a reference related to the definition of a school day. Overall, the intent of the bill is to streamline regulations and provide greater flexibility for school districts in managing instructional time and funding.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1864 Original - 3-19-2025 05:21 PM: 6-10-106, 6-17-2402(1), 6-18-213(b), 6-10-108, 6-10-117, 6-10-126, 6-10-127, 6-15-202(f)
Old version HB1864 V2 - 4-3-2025 11:11 AM: 6-10-106, 04-03-2025, 6-17-2402(1), 6-18-213(b), 6-15-2101, 6-10-108, 6-10-117, 6-10-126, 6-10-127, 6-15-202(f), 6-16-102, 6-10-106(g), 6-16-132, 6-17-2403(c), 6-18-2503(6)
HB 1864: 6-10-106, 6-17-2402(1), 6-18-213(b), 6-10-108, 6-10-117, 6-10-126, 6-10-127, 6-15-202(f)