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 requires public schools to establish a parental involvement plan as part of their school-level improvement plan, thereby increasing parent and family engagement. Additionally, the bill mandates the Division to develop a comprehensive accountability system for public schools, which will include clear academic standards, a statewide student assessment system, and support levels for public school districts. Furthermore, it introduces an annual requirement for public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools to submit a district strategic plan by June 30, which must encompass a literacy and mathematics plan, funding prioritization, and support for schools needing assistance.

Moreover, 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 addressing health-related issues, and ensuring that nutrition education is included in staff professional development. The bill emphasizes the incorporation of specific goals related to nutrition and physical activity into annual planning and reporting processes. Notably, the bill includes several insertions that clarify and expand the committee's responsibilities, while also removing limiting phrases, aiming to create a more comprehensive approach to promoting health and wellness in schools for the benefit of students' overall well-being.

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)