SB149

Senate Bill 149 amends the Public School Funding Act of 2003 in Arkansas to adjust foundation funding levels and specific categorical aid for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The bill increases per-student foundation funding amounts and provides adjustments for alternative learning environments, English learner support, and Enhanced Student Achievement funding. It introduces a new administrative process where the Department of Education will pay employer insurance contributions directly to the Employee Benefits Division on behalf of school districts. Additionally, the bill outlines a plan to phase out teacher salary equalization funding over the next several years. These changes are intended to support the state's public education salary mandates established by the LEARNS Act and refine the school funding allocation process. The legislation also sets specific funding targets for professional development and teacher salary benchmarks.