TO AUTHORIZE AN INCORPORATED TOWN OR A CITY OF THE SECOND CLASS TO PETITION THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LOCAL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OR SATELLITE SCHOOL UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lincoln Barnett

HB 1966 allows towns and cities in Arkansas to petition for local public elementary schools, restoring access to education in areas affected by past school consolidations.

Notification that HB1966 is now Act 914

Summary of HB 1966

Bill Number: HB 1966
Title: To Authorize an Incorporated Town or a City of the Second Class to Petition the State Board of Education for the Establishment of a Local Public Elementary School or Satellite School Under Certain Conditions
Status: Now Act 914
Introduced: April 01, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Barnett

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1966 aims to empower incorporated towns and cities of the second class in Arkansas to petition the State Board of Education for the establishment of local public elementary schools or satellite schools. This initiative is particularly targeted at areas that have experienced school consolidations within the last 20 years, ensuring that communities can regain access to essential educational facilities.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions:

Eligibility to Petition:

An incorporated town or city of the second class, along with parents, legal guardians, or individuals standing in loco parentis to students, can file a written appeal for the establishment of a local public elementary school or satellite school.
The petition must be based on the following conditions:
- The affected district has undergone consolidation within the last 20 years.
- The affected district includes a public school that was previously operational.
- The town or city has the capability to provide adequate school facilities.

Approval Process:

If the receiving school district board approves the appeal, they must jointly file with the State Board of Education for the establishment of the school.
The new school will be part of the receiving district.

In-Kind Contributions:

The incorporated town or city may enter into agreements with the receiving district for in-kind contributions to support the establishment and maintenance of the new school.

Affected Parties

Incorporated Towns and Cities of the Second Class: These local governments will have the authority to initiate the process for establishing schools.

Parents and Guardians: They will have a voice in advocating for educational facilities in their communities.

School Districts: Receiving districts will be involved in the approval and establishment process, potentially impacting their operational dynamics.

Legislative Timeline

April 01, 2025: Bill filed.

April 02, 2025: Read for the first time and referred to the House Education Committee.

April 09, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.

April 14, 2025: Returned by the Senate Committee with a recommendation to pass.

April 16, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.

April 21, 2025: Notification that HB 1966 is now Act 914.

This legislation represents a significant step towards enhancing local educational opportunities in Arkansas, particularly for communities affected by school consolidations.

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