TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY IN STUDENT INSTRUCTION; AND TO CREATE A STANDARDIZED FLEXIBLE SCHOOL CALENDAR SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

HB 1864 would require Arkansas public schools and open-enrollment charter schools to meet minimum instructional days based on their annual school rating (from "A" to "F" under the state's accountability system), ranging from 160 days for top-rated schools to 178 days for lowest-rated schools. This policy directly affects all public school districts and charter schools in Arkansas by tying their required in-person instruction time to performance ratings. The bill establishes a standardized, flexible calendar system where schools must meet these day minimums unless closed for emergencies. It also clarifies that districts operating on a 12-month calendar cannot receive additional state foundation funding beyond what they would get for a standard 9-month schedule. The bill was amended and withdrawn in April 2025, with recommendations for further study.