The bill amends the Arkansas Code to enhance the responsibilities of public schools and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding district strategic plans and parental involvement. It mandates that each public school develop a parental involvement plan as part of its improvement strategy, thereby increasing parent and family engagement. Additionally, the Division is tasked with creating a comprehensive accountability system that includes clear academic standards, a statewide student assessment system, and equitable access to quality educators. Public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are now required to submit an annual 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 revises existing legislation on school nutrition and physical activity by requiring school districts to incorporate health and wellness goals into their strategic plans. It replaces the previous requirement for a school nutrition and physical activity advisory committee with a focus on integrating health goals into overall strategic planning. The new provisions emphasize raising awareness of nutrition and physical activity, developing local policies, and ensuring that these elements are part of the curriculum. The bill also specifies areas for the advisory committee's focus, such as implementing nutrition and physical activity standards and improving physical education curricula, while removing previous enforcement provisions related to physical education requirements and contracts promoting healthy eating. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the health and wellness framework within school districts.

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)