This bill establishes the framework for public school districts in Arkansas to implement and maintain a four-day school week. It amends existing law to provide public school districts with greater flexibility in scheduling instructional time, which is expected to yield educational benefits and financial rewards. The bill specifies that public school districts may initiate a four-day school week if they meet certain requirements set by the State Board of Education, including maintaining a minimum number of instructional hours equivalent to those required in a traditional five-day school week. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the state board and the Department of Education will not have the authority to approve or deny a district's decision to adopt a four-day school week.

The legislation also outlines specific requirements for districts that choose to implement a four-day school week, such as averaging six hours of instruction per school day and providing documentation to assess the program's success. It includes provisions for maintaining educational standards and ensuring that the educational opportunities provided are equivalent to those of a traditional five-day school week. Furthermore, the bill declares an emergency, emphasizing the need for school districts to establish their calendars in advance of the 2025-2026 school year to facilitate necessary preparations for staffing and operations.