This bill amends the Arkansas Code to enhance the creation of district strategic plans and the responsibilities of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. It mandates that each public school develop a parental involvement plan as part of its school-level improvement plan, thereby increasing parent and family engagement. Furthermore, public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools are required to submit an annual district strategic plan that includes a literacy and mathematics plan, funding prioritization, and support for schools needing assistance. The bill also introduces a unified application system to streamline the submission of state plans and federal funding applications, promoting efficiency and reducing duplication.

Additionally, the bill establishes a school nutrition and physical activity advisory committee tasked with integrating health and wellness goals into the district's strategic plan. This committee will focus on raising awareness about nutrition and physical activity, developing local policies, and implementing standards in these areas. The bill emphasizes the incorporation of specific goals related to nutrition and physical activity into annual planning and reporting processes, ensuring that students receive adequate nutrition education and engage in vigorous physical activity. The new legal language enhances the focus on health and wellness while removing outdated provisions that may restrict the committee's responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
HB 1938: 6-15-1702(a), 6-15-2904, 6-15-2914, 6-17-429(k), 6-17-429, 6-20-2305, 6-20-2305(b), 6-17-2403, 6-15-2913, 6-15-2908, 20-7-135(e)
Act 807: 6-15-1702(a), 6-15-2904, 6-15-2914, 6-17-429(k), 6-17-429, 6-20-2305, 6-20-2305(b), 6-17-2403, 6-15-2913, 6-15-2908, 20-7-135(e)