TO ALLOW THE GOVERNING BODY OF AN OPEN-ENROLLMENT PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL TO SUBMIT AN APPLICANT FOR CONSIDERATION FOR THE ARKANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR.

HB 1477 allows governing bodies of open-enrollment public charter schools to submit one teacher applicant for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year award, expanding eligibility beyond traditional school districts. If selected, the teacher receives paid administrative leave for the following school year, during which the school must provide a replacement teacher. The state reimburses schools for the teacher’s salary, benefits, and approved incidental expenses incurred during the leave. This bill modifies existing statutes (§6-17-2503 and §6-17-2504) to include charter schools in the program’s application and leave requirements.