TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ACT OF 2003; AND TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL EDUCATION CATEGORY OF FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION.

House Bill 1539 proposes to amend the Public School Funding Act of 2003 in Arkansas. The bill aims to increase per-student foundation funding for public schools, as well as specific funding for alternative learning environment students and English learners for the 2025-2027 school years. A key provision is the creation of a new, dedicated categorical funding stream for special education, ensuring these funds are specifically allocated and spent on special education services. This change intends to address the underfunding of special education by allocating funds based on the number of students with special needs.