The bill amends the Public School Funding Act of 2003 to modify the use of professional development funding for public school teachers in Arkansas. It establishes that any professional development funding exceeding the maximum amount awarded to public schools must be allocated specifically for the implementation of the LEARNS Act (Acts 2023, No. 237) to enhance student academic outcomes. The bill also allows the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to distribute these additional funds through grants to eligible entities, thereby providing more flexibility in how the funds can be utilized.

Additionally, the bill revises the language regarding the administration of professional development funding, indicating that the Division may promulgate rules to manage the additional funding rather than being required to do so. This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that the funds are effectively directed towards improving educational outcomes in line with the LEARNS Act. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the professional development framework for teachers while aligning it with new educational initiatives.

Statutes affected:
HB 1874: 6-20-2305(b)
Act 795: 6-20-2305(b)