HB1773

To Amend The Public School Funding Act Of 2003; And To Amend The Law To Include Additional Qualifications For Purposes Of Receiving Teacher Salary Equalization Funding.

Failed

Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1773 amends the Public School Funding Act of 2003 regarding teacher salary equalization funding. The bill updates the eligibility criteria for school districts to qualify for state funds intended to equalize teacher salaries. It establishes specific requirements for districts to meet based on average teacher salaries and the use of state funds relative to the adequacy funding matrix. Additionally, the bill sets the statewide target average annual teacher salary for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years at $51,822 and mandates that future targets be set biennially by the House and Senate Committees on Education. The bill also clarifies eligibility procedures, reporting deadlines, and restrictions on receiving these funds if a district is already receiving money from the Educator Compensation Reform Fund.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries are school districts with average annual teacher salaries falling below the statewide target, as this funding provides them with additional financial resources to increase teacher pay. Teachers employed in these qualifying districts may also benefit through the requirement that the funding be used exclusively for teacher salaries and benefits.

Who Might Suffer?

School districts that are found ineligible for these funds due to their participation in the Educator Compensation Reform Fund or because their average salaries meet or exceed the statewide target may see limitations on their funding. Additionally, school districts that fail to meet the specific requirements regarding state fund utilization for salary adequacy may find themselves excluded from receiving this particular equalization aid.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us