This bill amends Arkansas Code 6-10-117 to establish requirements for public school districts that choose to implement a four-day school week. The legislation aims to provide public school districts with increased flexibility in scheduling instructional time, which is believed to yield educational benefits for students and financial advantages for the districts. The bill specifies that public school districts may initiate and maintain a four-day school week, provided they meet certain instructional time requirements set by the State Board of Education. Notably, the state board and the Department of Education will not have the authority to approve or deny a district's decision to adopt this schedule.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for districts that implement a four-day school week, including maintaining an average of six hours of instruction per school day and providing documentation to assess the program's success. It also includes provisions for community input and support, as well as consequences for districts that fail to meet performance benchmarks. The bill declares an emergency, emphasizing the need for school districts to establish their calendars in advance of the 2025-2026 school year to ensure proper planning and compliance with educational mandates.