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HB 1864

TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY IN STUDENT INSTRUCTION; AND TO CREATE A STANDARDIZED FLEXIBLE SCHOOL CALENDAR SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wade Andrews and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1864 establishes a standardized, flexible school calendar for Arkansas public schools, improving instructional efficiency and impacting students and educators' schedules.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on EDUCATION COMMITTEE- HOUSE
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Bill Summary · HB 1864

Summary of House Bill 1864

Bill Number: HB 1864
Title: To Amend Provisions of the Arkansas Code to Improve Efficiency in Student Instruction; and to Create a Standardized Flexible School Calendar System for Public Schools.
Status: Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on Education Committee - House
Introduced: March 19, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1864 aims to enhance the efficiency of student instruction in Arkansas public schools by establishing a standardized and flexible school calendar system. The bill seeks to ensure that all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools adhere to a consistent framework for the academic year, which is intended to improve educational outcomes and operational efficiency.

Key Provisions

  1. School Year Start and End Dates:

    • The bill mandates that the first day of the school year for student attendance must be on or after July 1, starting from the 2026-2027 school year.
    • The last day of the school year must not extend beyond June 30.

  2. Holidays and Breaks:

    • Labor Day will be recognized as a school holiday, with no classes held on that date.
    • Spring break must consist of five consecutive school days, starting on the Monday of the thirty-eighth week of the school year.

  3. Instructional Days:

    • Public schools must provide a minimum number of instructional days based on their performance rating:
      • A Rating: 160 days
      • B Rating: 164 days
      • C Rating: 168 days
      • D Rating: 172 days
      • F Rating: 178 days

  4. Make-Up Days:

    • Schools are required to include five make-up days in their academic calendar for days lost due to emergencies such as inclement weather or disease outbreaks.

  5. Alternate School Calendars:

    • School districts may opt for an alternate calendar that includes a minimum of 1,068 instructional hours, with flexibility in the number of school days.

  6. Reporting Requirements:

    • Districts implementing an alternate calendar must notify the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education by July 1 each year and post their calendar by August 1.

Affected Parties

  • Public School Districts: All public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Arkansas will be required to comply with the new calendar provisions.
  • Students and Educators: The changes will directly impact students' learning schedules and educators' employment contracts.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on March 19, 2025, and underwent several legislative actions, including amendments and recommendations for further study.
  • As of April 8, 2025, the bill was withdrawn by the author after being recommended for study in the Interim by the Education Committee.

Fiscal Impact

  • According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, there is no anticipated fiscal impact associated with the implementation of this bill.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1864, highlighting its objectives, key changes to the school calendar, and the implications for Arkansas public schools.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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