arkansas association of school business officials

2003 Legislative Session2003 Legislative Session

Arkansas Association of Arkansas Association of School Business OfficialsSchool Business OfficialsCASBO Training SessionCASBO Training Session

LEGLISLATURE 2003: LEGLISLATURE 2003: IMPACT ON SCHOOL IMPACT ON SCHOOL

BUSINESS MANAGEMENTBUSINESS MANAGEMENT

May 6, 2003May 6, 2003


AASBO Legislative CommitteeAASBO Legislative Committee

Nathan BarberNathan Barber

Johnny ThaxtonJohnny Thaxton

Ivy LincolnIvy Lincoln

Ellen TerryEllen Terry

Alan LoveAlan Love

Mike MertensMike Mertens

Jann ArnoldJann Arnold

Freeman WishFreeman Wish

Dan LoveladyDan Lovelady

Al HicksAl Hicks

David CauldwellDavid Cauldwell


LakeviewLakeview

The full attention of The full attention of the 2003 General the 2003 General Assembly has Assembly has been centered on been centered on the implications of the implications of the the LakeviewLakeview ruling ruling relating to relating to education in education in Arkansas.Arkansas.


What Did the Supreme Court Say?What Did the Supreme Court Say?

It is the responsibility of the State of It is the responsibility of the State of Arkansas to guarantee that each child in Arkansas to guarantee that each child in the state has:the state has:– Substantially equal teacher’s salariesSubstantially equal teacher’s salaries– Substantially equal curriculumSubstantially equal curriculum– Substantially equal facilities Substantially equal facilities – Substantially equal equipmentSubstantially equal equipment


What Happened During the What Happened During the Regular Session?Regular Session?

The Legislature met from January 13 The Legislature met from January 13 to April 16. They dealt with:to April 16. They dealt with:– Lakeview & School ReformLakeview & School Reform

– State Government ReorganizationState Government Reorganization

– Tort ReformTort Reform

– The other various bills introducedThe other various bills introduced


What Happened During the What Happened During the Regular Session?Regular Session?

There were 2885 bills, well over 100 There were 2885 bills, well over 100 resolutions, and 51 joint resolutions resolutions, and 51 joint resolutions introduced in the Legislature.introduced in the Legislature.

Over 1800 bills have been signed into law.Over 1800 bills have been signed into law.

Only two constitutional amendments were Only two constitutional amendments were introduced.introduced.

They adjourned without adopting a budget They adjourned without adopting a budget for the biennium.for the biennium.


What Is Happening Now?What Is Happening Now?

The Governor has called them back into The Governor has called them back into Special Session to establish a budget and Special Session to establish a budget and to pass the Revenue Stabilization Act.to pass the Revenue Stabilization Act.

The Governor will perhaps call another The Governor will perhaps call another Special Session to “clean up” any issues Special Session to “clean up” any issues left over from the Regular Session.left over from the Regular Session.


What Will Happen Later?What Will Happen Later?

An Adequacy Study Commission has been An Adequacy Study Commission has been authorized by the Legislature. authorized by the Legislature.

It is to report back to the Legislature no It is to report back to the Legislature no later than September 1, 2003.later than September 1, 2003.

A Facilities Study will be conducted after A Facilities Study will be conducted after the Adequacy Study is completed.the Adequacy Study is completed.


What Will Happen This Fall?What Will Happen This Fall?

The Legislature will return to Little Rock The Legislature will return to Little Rock after the Adequacy Study is complete (in after the Adequacy Study is complete (in September or October).September or October).

The Legislature and Governor must come The Legislature and Governor must come to agreement on what plan is best to fulfill to agreement on what plan is best to fulfill the requirements of Lakeview. the requirements of Lakeview.

The Supreme Court’s deadline to have a The Supreme Court’s deadline to have a plan in place is January 1, 2004.plan in place is January 1, 2004.


What Will the Net Result Possibly Be?What Will the Net Result Possibly Be?

ConsolidationConsolidation

Higher Curriculum StandardsHigher Curriculum Standards

Greater AccountabilityGreater Accountability

Teacher Salaries Balanced StatewideTeacher Salaries Balanced Statewide

Facilities Improved StatewideFacilities Improved Statewide

Revenue Increases – OR - Revenue Revenue Increases – OR - Revenue RedistributionRedistribution


The Court’s Final WordsThe Court’s Final Words

–““Nevertheless, should constitutional Nevertheless, should constitutional dictates not be followed, as dictates not be followed, as interpreted by this court, we will interpreted by this court, we will have no hesitancy in reviewing the have no hesitancy in reviewing the constitutionality of the state’s constitutionality of the state’s school-funding system once again school-funding system once again in an appropriate case.”in an appropriate case.”


Bills before the LegislatureBills before the Legislature

There were over 300 bills having There were over 300 bills having something to do with educational issues.something to do with educational issues.

Of the education-related bills that were Of the education-related bills that were introduced, @100 have been signed into introduced, @100 have been signed into law by the Governor. law by the Governor.

We will talk about 34 of these bills today.We will talk about 34 of these bills today.


Proposed Constitutional Proposed Constitutional AmendmentsAmendments

HJR 1006 – Term LimitsHJR 1006 – Term Limits– House would serve six two-year terms instead House would serve six two-year terms instead

of three terms.of three terms.– Senate would serve three four-year terms Senate would serve three four-year terms

instead of two terms.instead of two terms.

HJR 1028 – General Obligation BondsHJR 1028 – General Obligation Bonds– Allows Legislature to approve general Allows Legislature to approve general

obligation bonds for economic development.obligation bonds for economic development.– Generally, infrastructure needs of a project.Generally, infrastructure needs of a project.


The ActsThe Acts

Each Act is available on the web.Each Act is available on the web.email me at email me at [email protected]@sdale.org if you would like to if you would like to receive an Excel spreadsheet with all of the Acts listed receive an Excel spreadsheet with all of the Acts listed and hyperlinks that will take you directly to a copy of the and hyperlinks that will take you directly to a copy of the Act on the web.Act on the web.When reviewing the Acts, underlined text has been When reviewing the Acts, underlined text has been added to the law, text that is stricken through is deleted, added to the law, text that is stricken through is deleted, other text was already present in the law.other text was already present in the law.If the Act has an “Emergency Clause” written in, it If the Act has an “Emergency Clause” written in, it became law when the Governor signed it.became law when the Governor signed it.If there was no “Emergency Clause,” it becomes law 90 If there was no “Emergency Clause,” it becomes law 90 days after the Session is concluded (July 15).days after the Session is concluded (July 15).


““Big Issues” BillsBig Issues” Bills


Act 94*Act 94*

Created the “Joint Committee on Educational Created the “Joint Committee on Educational Adequacy”Adequacy”– The Committee is made up of 5 Senators, 5 House The Committee is made up of 5 Senators, 5 House

Members, and the Director of the Department.Members, and the Director of the Department.– Lawrence Picas, an adequacy consultant, has been Lawrence Picas, an adequacy consultant, has been

hired to do the adequacy study.hired to do the adequacy study.– The final report is due to the Joint Committee no later The final report is due to the Joint Committee no later

than September 1, 2003.than September 1, 2003.– The Legislature will then review the consultant’s study The Legislature will then review the consultant’s study

and the committee will make recommendations to the and the committee will make recommendations to the Legislature on what an “adequate” education is.Legislature on what an “adequate” education is.


Act 1181*Act 1181*

Created the “Joint Committee on Educational Facilities.”Created the “Joint Committee on Educational Facilities.”– Seven members of the Senate, seven members of the house, Seven members of the Senate, seven members of the house,

and the Director of the Department of Education.and the Director of the Department of Education.– They shall:They shall:

Review the Supreme Court RulingReview the Supreme Court RulingRecommend what constitutes an adequate school facilityRecommend what constitutes an adequate school facilityRecommend a method of providing substantially equal facilities and Recommend a method of providing substantially equal facilities and equipment for all schools in Arkansas.equipment for all schools in Arkansas.Establish a process to conduct a review and assessment of Establish a process to conduct a review and assessment of facilities.facilities.Recommend the cost of an adequate school facility.Recommend the cost of an adequate school facility.Recommend a method of funding.Recommend a method of funding.

– Their report is due to be complete by 12/31/03. The deadline Their report is due to be complete by 12/31/03. The deadline may be extended.may be extended.


Act 1738*Act 1738*

Prohibits school boards from entering into certain Prohibits school boards from entering into certain contracts until July 1, 2004.contracts until July 1, 2004.– May not enter into any single May not enter into any single contractual or project obligationcontractual or project obligation

over $75,000 over $75,000 oror 1% of lines 15 & 16 on the district’s 1% of lines 15 & 16 on the district’s PrintoutPrintout, , whichever is greater, for the purchase, sale, construction, whichever is greater, for the purchase, sale, construction, improvement, or repair of equipment, facilities, motor vehicles, improvement, or repair of equipment, facilities, motor vehicles, buildings, or real property without the prior approval of the State buildings, or real property without the prior approval of the State Board or the Director.Board or the Director.

Does not apply to contracts in connection with a bond issuance Does not apply to contracts in connection with a bond issuance already approved by the State Board.already approved by the State Board.

– May not enter into a May not enter into a service contractservice contract for a time period greater for a time period greater than one year without prior written approval of the State Board.than one year without prior written approval of the State Board.

Does not apply to currently binding contracts.Does not apply to currently binding contracts.


Act 1738*Act 1738*

– May not enter into May not enter into personnel contractspersonnel contracts for more than one year for more than one year without prior written approval of the State Board or Director.without prior written approval of the State Board or Director.

– Salary increasesSalary increases may not be more than 7.5% of the immediate may not be more than 7.5% of the immediate previous existing contract for the same person in the same previous existing contract for the same person in the same position, excluding normal step increases.position, excluding normal step increases.

If you want to request an exception, you must apply no If you want to request an exception, you must apply no less than 15 days prior to next regularly scheduled State less than 15 days prior to next regularly scheduled State Board meeting.Board meeting.Any board member, administrator or employee who Any board member, administrator or employee who knowingly violates this law is guilty of an unclassified knowingly violates this law is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor and subject to a $1000 fine.misdemeanor and subject to a $1000 fine.


Act 1467 Act 1467 (July 1, 2003)(July 1, 2003)

The Omnibus Quality Education Act of The Omnibus Quality Education Act of 2003.2003.– May be the “sleeping giant” of the session.May be the “sleeping giant” of the session.– Enforcement of the standards.Enforcement of the standards.– ACTAAP & NCLBACTAAP & NCLB– Academic distressAcademic distress– Fiscal distressFiscal distress


Act 1467Act 1467

Standards Standards – If you fail to meet the standards for more than If you fail to meet the standards for more than

one year, your district may be one year, your district may be ConsolidatedConsolidated

ReconstitutedReconstituted

AnnexedAnnexed

Individual schools may be shut down or removed Individual schools may be shut down or removed from the jurisdiction of the district.from the jurisdiction of the district.


Act 1467Act 1467

Academic distressAcademic distress– Any student attending a public school district Any student attending a public school district

classified as being in academic distress shall classified as being in academic distress shall automatically be eligible and entitled to automatically be eligible and entitled to transfer to another geographically contiguous transfer to another geographically contiguous school district.school district.

– The The costcost of transporting the student from the of transporting the student from the resident district to the nonresident district resident district to the nonresident district shall be the cost of the resident district.shall be the cost of the resident district.


Act 1467Act 1467

Fiscal DistressFiscal Distress– Indicators of fiscal distress are:Indicators of fiscal distress are:

A declining balance determined to jeopardize the fiscal integrity of a school A declining balance determined to jeopardize the fiscal integrity of a school district.district.Any act or violation determined to jeopardize the fiscal integrity of a school Any act or violation determined to jeopardize the fiscal integrity of a school district, such as:district, such as:

– Material failure to properly maintain school facilitiesMaterial failure to properly maintain school facilities– Material violation of local, state, or federal fire, health, or safety code provisions Material violation of local, state, or federal fire, health, or safety code provisions

or lawor law– Material violation of local, state, or federal construction code provisions or lawMaterial violation of local, state, or federal construction code provisions or law– Material state or federal audit exceptions or violationsMaterial state or federal audit exceptions or violations– Material failure to provide reports in a timely fashion Material failure to provide reports in a timely fashion – Insufficient funds to cover payrollInsufficient funds to cover payroll– Material failure to meet legally binding minimum teacher salary schedule Material failure to meet legally binding minimum teacher salary schedule

obligationsobligations– Material failure to comply with state law governing purchasing or bid Material failure to comply with state law governing purchasing or bid

requirementsrequirements– Material default on any school district debt obligationMaterial default on any school district debt obligation– Material discrepancies between budgeted and actual school district expendituresMaterial discrepancies between budgeted and actual school district expenditures– Material failure to comply with audit requirementsMaterial failure to comply with audit requirements


Act 1467Act 1467

If found to be in fiscal distress:If found to be in fiscal distress:– The district must publish the district’s classification as The district must publish the district’s classification as

a fiscally distressed district in the paper for two a fiscally distressed district in the paper for two weeks.weeks.

– The district may not enter into any debt without The district may not enter into any debt without approval of the Departmentapproval of the Department

– The district will file with the Department a plan for The district will file with the Department a plan for improvementimprovement

– The district may not remain in fiscal distress for more The district may not remain in fiscal distress for more than two consecutive school yearsthan two consecutive school years

– The State Board of Education may consolidate, etc. The State Board of Education may consolidate, etc. any district that fails to remove itself from fiscal any district that fails to remove itself from fiscal distress in two years.distress in two years.


We missed the peanuts while we We missed the peanuts while we were fighting the elephant!were fighting the elephant!


Payroll IssuesPayroll Issues


Act 1768Act 1768

Requires districts to credit teachers for all Requires districts to credit teachers for all in-state teaching experience.in-state teaching experience.– ““Beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, Beginning with the 2003-2004 school year,

the teachers’ experience for purposes of the teachers’ experience for purposes of salary and benefits shall be his or her total salary and benefits shall be his or her total years in any school district in the state, and years in any school district in the state, and shall not be based on only the years in the shall not be based on only the years in the district in which he or she is currently district in which he or she is currently employed.”employed.”


Act 1398Act 1398

Requires that teachers who are required to Requires that teachers who are required to serve more than 60 minutes of “non-instructional serve more than 60 minutes of “non-instructional duty” be paid for that duty.duty” be paid for that duty.– ““Any teacher assigned more than sixty minutes of Any teacher assigned more than sixty minutes of

non-instructional duties per week shall be contracted non-instructional duties per week shall be contracted with in accordance with 6-17-807(g).”with in accordance with 6-17-807(g).”

– Non-instructional time is defined as:Non-instructional time is defined as:The supervision of students before or after the instructional The supervision of students before or after the instructional day begins or ends for studentsday begins or ends for students

The supervision of students during breakfasts, lunches, The supervision of students during breakfasts, lunches, recesses, or scheduled breaks.recesses, or scheduled breaks.


Act 1398Act 1398

6-17-807(g):6-17-807(g):– A district which contracts with a teacher to A district which contracts with a teacher to

teach summer school or to perform teach summer school or to perform services that do not require the teacher to services that do not require the teacher to hold a teaching certificate to perform hold a teaching certificate to perform those services shall enter into a those services shall enter into a separate separate contractcontract with the teacher for those with the teacher for those services and services and shall not condition initial shall not condition initial employmentemployment of the teacher or of the teacher or renewal of renewal of the teacher's regular teaching contractthe teacher's regular teaching contract on on entering into such a separate contract. entering into such a separate contract.


How will YOU handle this?How will YOU handle this?

Pay TeachersPay Teachers– StipendStipend– Hourly rateHourly rate

Pay Classified EmployeePay Classified Employee

Do NothingDo Nothing– Because you are already in complianceBecause you are already in compliance– Because…Because…


Act 462Act 462

Requires that teachers’ daily planning Requires that teachers’ daily planning period be provided in increments of no period be provided in increments of no less than forty minutes.less than forty minutes.– Teachers are already required to receive a Teachers are already required to receive a

minimum of 200 minutes per week.minimum of 200 minutes per week.– They must now be given that time in They must now be given that time in

increments of no less than 40 minutes per increments of no less than 40 minutes per day.day.


Act 1786Act 1786

Revises the schedule of Library/Media Revises the schedule of Library/Media Specialists.Specialists.– Limits the amount of time a Librarian may Limits the amount of time a Librarian may

spend in activities aside from activities as an spend in activities aside from activities as an “information specialist.”“information specialist.”


Act 925Act 925

Allows employers to pay workers by check Allows employers to pay workers by check or direct deposit.or direct deposit.– ““All employees shall be paid in currency, or by All employees shall be paid in currency, or by

check or electronic direct deposit into the check or electronic direct deposit into the employee’s account.”employee’s account.”

– ““The employee may opt out of electronic The employee may opt out of electronic direct deposit by providing the employer a direct deposit by providing the employer a written statement requesting payment by written statement requesting payment by check.”check.”


Teacher RetirementTeacher Retirement


Act 340 Act 340 (July 1, 2003)(July 1, 2003)

Allows the ATRS Board to set the Allows the ATRS Board to set the employer contribution rate for the system.employer contribution rate for the system.– Rate will be 12% until 6/30/03 when the ATRS Rate will be 12% until 6/30/03 when the ATRS

Board will establish the rate for each year.Board will establish the rate for each year.– Rate will be increased to 13% on 7/1/03.Rate will be increased to 13% on 7/1/03.– Benefit “enhancements” will not be Benefit “enhancements” will not be

implemented by the ATRS Board until the implemented by the ATRS Board until the contribution rate is below 13% again.contribution rate is below 13% again.


Act 992 Act 992 (July 1, 2003)(July 1, 2003)

Requires employer contributions to continue when an Requires employer contributions to continue when an employee begins T-Dropping.employee begins T-Dropping.– Until August 31, 2003, employer contributions for those Until August 31, 2003, employer contributions for those

members who are T-Dropping may be retained by the local members who are T-Dropping may be retained by the local district.district.

– If an employee T-Drops on September 1, 2003 or afterward, the If an employee T-Drops on September 1, 2003 or afterward, the employer contribution will continue in full.employer contribution will continue in full.

– If an employee T-Drops before September 1, 2003, districts will If an employee T-Drops before September 1, 2003, districts will be required to pay the employer contribution on this schedule:be required to pay the employer contribution on this schedule:

1% for the period from 7/1/03 – 6/30/05.1% for the period from 7/1/03 – 6/30/05.3% for the period from 7/1/05 – 6/30/07.3% for the period from 7/1/05 – 6/30/07.6% for the period from 7/1/07 – 6/30/09.6% for the period from 7/1/07 – 6/30/09.9% for the period from 7/1/09 – 6/30/11.9% for the period from 7/1/09 – 6/30/11.12% after 7/1/11.12% after 7/1/11.


Talk to your Fiscal Agent about Talk to your Fiscal Agent about these Actsthese Acts


Act 210*Act 210*

Amends the Maximum Lawful Rate for Amends the Maximum Lawful Rate for School BondsSchool Bonds– Don’t worry about this one. It is just a Don’t worry about this one. It is just a

technical change in how the rate is calculated.technical change in how the rate is calculated.– It won’t have an effect on the rate you It won’t have an effect on the rate you

currently pay or will pay.currently pay or will pay.


Act 840Act 840

Provides for the refinancing of postdated Provides for the refinancing of postdated warrants, lease purchase agreements, and warrants, lease purchase agreements, and installment contracts.installment contracts.– A district may refinance if the refinancing A district may refinance if the refinancing

results in a net savings to the district.results in a net savings to the district.– Can’t extend the term.Can’t extend the term.– Can’t increase the outstanding debt owed by Can’t increase the outstanding debt owed by

the district.the district.– Talk to your fiscal agent for complete details.Talk to your fiscal agent for complete details.


Act 1754Act 1754

Allows school districts to enter into public-Allows school districts to enter into public-private partnerships for the acquisition of private partnerships for the acquisition of facilities.facilities.– The private partner constructs the building for The private partner constructs the building for

the district and leases it to the district for 30 the district and leases it to the district for 30 years or less. years or less.

– At the end of term, the district might purchase At the end of term, the district might purchase the building for $1. the building for $1.

– Talk with your fiscal agent.Talk with your fiscal agent.


School Bus, Food Service, & NursesSchool Bus, Food Service, & Nurses


Act 219Act 219

Prohibits the use of a cell phone while operating Prohibits the use of a cell phone while operating a school bus.a school bus.– Can’t use a cell phone while driving a bus.Can’t use a cell phone while driving a bus.– ““Cell phone” is a wireless two-way communication Cell phone” is a wireless two-way communication

device that requires the operator to dial numbers device that requires the operator to dial numbers manually.manually.

– The driver The driver maymay use a cell phone in an emergency use a cell phone in an emergency situation when calling police, fire, hospital, etc.situation when calling police, fire, hospital, etc.

– Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor with a fine of Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor with a fine of between $100 and $250.between $100 and $250.


Act 1220Act 1220

Creates a child health advisory committee and Creates a child health advisory committee and coordinates statewide efforts to combat coordinates statewide efforts to combat childhood obesity and related illness.childhood obesity and related illness.– Beginning 2003-04, Beginning 2003-04,

you may not permit in-school access to food and beverage you may not permit in-school access to food and beverage vending machines for elementary schools.vending machines for elementary schools.you must report to the public the amounts and specific you must report to the public the amounts and specific sources of funds received from competitive food and sources of funds received from competitive food and beverage contracts and what you spent the money on.beverage contracts and what you spent the money on.you must include the annual body mass index percentile by you must include the annual body mass index percentile by age for each student on their report card.age for each student on their report card.

– Beginning 2004-05, Beginning 2004-05, you must convene a school nutrition and physical activity you must convene a school nutrition and physical activity advisory committee.advisory committee.


Act 999Act 999

Concerns religious exemption to the Concerns religious exemption to the school immunization requirements.school immunization requirements.

Talk with your school nurse.Talk with your school nurse.


Accounts PayableAccounts Payable


Act 671Act 671

Clarifies the signatures required for disbursements by Clarifies the signatures required for disbursements by school districts.school districts.– The Board, by resolution, shall designate one member who will The Board, by resolution, shall designate one member who will

be the primary disbursing officer of the district.be the primary disbursing officer of the district.– The Board may designate an alternate disbursing officer in the The Board may designate an alternate disbursing officer in the

absence of the primary officer.absence of the primary officer.– The resolution must be filed with the County Treasurer and the The resolution must be filed with the County Treasurer and the

Director of the Dept. of Finance and Administration.Director of the Dept. of Finance and Administration.– Checks must now bear the Checks must now bear the manual or facsimilemanual or facsimile signature of the signature of the

Board disbursing officer (or his/her alternate) and the Board disbursing officer (or his/her alternate) and the Superintendent.Superintendent.

– An exception is made for signatures on Activity Accounts and An exception is made for signatures on Activity Accounts and Food Service Accounts.Food Service Accounts.

– All warrants and checks shall be issued in accordance with the All warrants and checks shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of 6-13-618 and 6-13-701(e)provisions of 6-13-618 and 6-13-701(e)


Act 756Act 756

Increases the amount that school districts must Increases the amount that school districts must give to teachers for the purchase of classroom give to teachers for the purchase of classroom supplies.supplies.– The new amount is the greater of $500 per teacher or The new amount is the greater of $500 per teacher or

$20 per student enrolled after 3 months of school.$20 per student enrolled after 3 months of school.– Pre K – 6Pre K – 6thth grade teachers. grade teachers.– To be provided according to the district’s “established To be provided according to the district’s “established

reimbursement policy.”reimbursement policy.”– ““For the teacher to apply toward the…”For the teacher to apply toward the…”– The teacher must provide receipts.The teacher must provide receipts.– Superintendent will now be required to sign a Superintendent will now be required to sign a

statement of compliance with this law each year.statement of compliance with this law each year.


Act 1097Act 1097

Requires that COOPs and school districts use Requires that COOPs and school districts use APSCN for:APSCN for:– Fund accounting, including activity fundsFund accounting, including activity funds– Budget preparationBudget preparation– Human resourcesHuman resources– Fixed AssetsFixed Assets– Begins with the 2003-04 fiscal year.Begins with the 2003-04 fiscal year.– May use a different software system if:May use a different software system if:

The Department approves of the system.The Department approves of the system.Information is transmitted to Little Rock in a compatible Information is transmitted to Little Rock in a compatible format and in the detail requested by the Department.format and in the detail requested by the Department.


Act 1769*Act 1769*

Requires school districts to use APSCNRequires school districts to use APSCN– The wording of this bill is exactly the same as The wording of this bill is exactly the same as

that found in Act 1097.that found in Act 1097.


My favorite bill that didn’t get My favorite bill that didn’t get passed.passed.

House Bill 2049 by Rep. LendellHouse Bill 2049 by Rep. Lendell– Appropriated $3000 to the Office of the Appropriated $3000 to the Office of the

Governor for the purchase of lottery tickets in Governor for the purchase of lottery tickets in every state having a lottery. every state having a lottery.

– The proceeds from any winning ticket were to The proceeds from any winning ticket were to be deposited into the General Services Fund be deposited into the General Services Fund of the State.of the State.


ElectionsElections


Act 1280*Act 1280*

Clarifies when the budget must be Clarifies when the budget must be published in the case of a special election.published in the case of a special election.– Early elections may have been in question if Early elections may have been in question if

this law were not passed.this law were not passed.– The law now states that a district publishes The law now states that a district publishes

the proposed budget 60 days before the the proposed budget 60 days before the election “at which the annual ad valorem election “at which the annual ad valorem property tax for the district is decided by the property tax for the district is decided by the electors.”electors.”


Act 1295Act 1295

Provides for absentee voting in an election Provides for absentee voting in an election when Board Members are running when Board Members are running unopposed and there is no change in unopposed and there is no change in millage proposal on the ballot.millage proposal on the ballot.– The school board may, by resolution, request The school board may, by resolution, request

that no polling places be open on election day that no polling places be open on election day and that the election be conducted by and that the election be conducted by absentee ballot and early voting only.absentee ballot and early voting only.


Act 1441Act 1441

Special elections must be on the second Special elections must be on the second Tuesday of any month.Tuesday of any month.


Classified PersonnelClassified Personnel


Act 1780Act 1780

Establishes a Classified Personnel Policy Establishes a Classified Personnel Policy law.law.– Very similar to the Certified Personnel Policy Very similar to the Certified Personnel Policy

laws.laws.


Act 1752Act 1752

Requires school districts to provide Classified Requires school districts to provide Classified employees with two paid breaks.employees with two paid breaks.– Applies to those working more than 20 hours per Applies to those working more than 20 hours per

week.week.– Must give them Must give them twotwo paid, fifteen minute breaks during paid, fifteen minute breaks during

each regular workday.each regular workday.– May not extend the contract day to provide for this May not extend the contract day to provide for this

Act.Act.– You must file an affidavit for You must file an affidavit for compliancecompliance with the with the

Department of Education regarding the Department of Education regarding the Fair Labor Fair Labor Standards ActStandards Act for classified employees unless the for classified employees unless the school district policies or state laws impose higher school district policies or state laws impose higher standards.standards.


Act 1773Act 1773

Provides for a cost of living salary increase Provides for a cost of living salary increase for Classified employees.for Classified employees.– ““Beginning July 1, 2003 and each year Beginning July 1, 2003 and each year

thereafter, the minimum hourly rate provided thereafter, the minimum hourly rate provided for in this subchapter ($6.25) shall be for in this subchapter ($6.25) shall be increased by a percentage equal to the increased by a percentage equal to the percentage increase of the consumer price percentage increase of the consumer price index.”index.”


etcetc


Act 1269*Act 1269*

100% of any budget cuts will be taken 100% of any budget cuts will be taken from Equalization for the remainder of this from Equalization for the remainder of this fiscal year.fiscal year.– Before this change, 85% was to come from Before this change, 85% was to come from

Equalization and the remaining 15% was to Equalization and the remaining 15% was to come from categorical funds.come from categorical funds.

– ““Total Amount Cut” x .47 Total Amount Cut” x .47 ÷ 444,000 x ADM = ÷ 444,000 x ADM = approximate amount of Equalization cutapproximate amount of Equalization cut


Act 1272*Act 1272*

Requires all districts to participate in Requires all districts to participate in Public School Choice.Public School Choice.– There are restrictions on who may transfer in There are restrictions on who may transfer in

and out of your district.and out of your district.– Rules and regs are available.Rules and regs are available.– Directors Memo SI-03-040 Directors Memo SI-03-040


Act 1334Act 1334

Allows digital copies of Personnel Policies Allows digital copies of Personnel Policies be given to Certified employees instead of be given to Certified employees instead of paper copies.paper copies.– Permissive legislation.Permissive legislation.– Could save you printing costs.Could save you printing costs.– www.springdaleschools.orgwww.springdaleschools.org

PersonnelPersonnel– Personnel PoliciesPersonnel Policies


Act 1802Act 1802

Requires that certain data for each district be Requires that certain data for each district be made available on the Department of Educations made available on the Department of Educations website.website.– Local and state revenue sources.Local and state revenue sources.– Administrator/Teacher salary and benefit data.Administrator/Teacher salary and benefit data.– District balances.District balances.– Any additional financial data.Any additional financial data.– Administrative salary and benefit expenditures.Administrative salary and benefit expenditures.– Teacher salary expenditures.Teacher salary expenditures.– Links to the local district’s website containing the Links to the local district’s website containing the

school district’s contracts with school district school district’s contracts with school district employees and district salary schedules.employees and district salary schedules.

– The annual budget.The annual budget.


Act 1714Act 1714

Creates a taskforce to study the Creates a taskforce to study the Assessment Coordination Department.Assessment Coordination Department.– The title of this act is:The title of this act is:

““An act to create a task force to study the An act to create a task force to study the Assessment Coordination Department in lieu of Assessment Coordination Department in lieu of abolishing the Assessment Coordination abolishing the Assessment Coordination Department”Department”


Act 413Act 413

Requires the State Board of Education to identify Requires the State Board of Education to identify reports required from districts and to eliminate reports required from districts and to eliminate unnecessary reports and paperwork.unnecessary reports and paperwork.– The Department will compile a list of reports and The Department will compile a list of reports and

paperwork each year.paperwork each year.– Districts will not be required to:Districts will not be required to:

Provide information that is already available in APSCN.Provide information that is already available in APSCN.

Provide the same information more than once during a Provide the same information more than once during a school year unless the info has changed.school year unless the info has changed.

Complete IDEA forms that are not necessary to ensure Complete IDEA forms that are not necessary to ensure compliance with federal statutes and regulations.compliance with federal statutes and regulations.


Act 623*Act 623*

If there is a difference between the printed If there is a difference between the printed copy of Arkansas Code and the on-line copy of Arkansas Code and the on-line copy, the printed copy takes precedence.copy, the printed copy takes precedence.– Arkansas Code is available on the web at Arkansas Code is available on the web at

www.arkleg.state.ar.uswww.arkleg.state.ar.us click on “resources.” click on “resources.”


Questions?Questions?


InformationInformation

Greg Murry – 479-750-8804Greg Murry – [email protected]@sdale.orgwww.aaea.k12.ar.uswww.aaea.k12.ar.ushttp://www.rogers.k12.ar.us/Acts_2003_Regular_Session.xlshttp://www.rogers.k12.ar.us/Acts_2003_Regular_Session.xls

www.arsba.orgwww.arsba.orgwww.arkleg.state.ar.uswww.arkleg.state.ar.usYour AuditorYour Auditor..\AASBO\2003 Legislative Session\Acts of..\AASBO\2003 Legislative Session\Acts of 2003 Regular 2003 Regular Session.xlsSession.xls