This bill establishes the framework for public school districts in Arkansas to implement and maintain a four-day school week. It amends Arkansas Code 6-10-117 to provide public school districts with greater flexibility in scheduling instructional time, emphasizing that such a schedule can yield educational benefits and financial rewards. The bill specifies that public school districts may initiate a four-day school week if they meet the instructional time requirements set by the State Board of Education. It also clarifies that the state board and the Department of Education do 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 choose to implement a four-day school week, including maintaining a minimum of six hours of instruction per school day and providing documentation to assess the program's success. It also includes provisions for state aid distribution to ensure equitable funding for districts operating on a four-day schedule. The bill declares an emergency, necessitating immediate implementation to allow districts to prepare their school calendars for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.