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, aimed at improving student academic outcomes. The bill also allows the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to distribute these additional funds through grants to eligible entities, enhancing the support for professional development activities.

Key changes include the deletion of previous provisions regarding the development and administration of professional learning communities, which are replaced with a focus on the LEARNS Act. The bill also alters the language regarding the Division's authority, changing "shall" to "may" in relation to promulgating rules for administering the additional funding. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure that professional development resources are effectively utilized to support educational improvements in line with recent legislative initiatives.

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