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 emphasizes the educational benefits and financial rewards of allowing public school districts greater flexibility in scheduling. It authorizes public school districts to initiate and maintain educational programs on a four-day basis, provided that the planned instructional time meets the requirements set by the State Board of Education. The bill also specifies 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.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific standards and guidelines that the state board must establish, including requirements for instructional hours, documentation of educational program success, and community input on the four-day school week. It also includes provisions for state aid distribution to ensure equitable funding for districts operating on a four-day schedule. Importantly, the bill declares an emergency, necessitating immediate implementation to allow school districts to prepare their calendars for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.