TO AMEND PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING AMOUNTS UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING ACT OF 2003.

Senate Bill 149 (SB 149) aimed to modify public school funding in Arkansas, primarily affecting public school districts and their employees. It adjusted the per-student foundation funding for the 2025-2026 school year to include the minimum employer contribution for the state-sponsored insurance program. For the 2026-2027 school year, the bill proposed the Department of Education would directly pay this employer contribution on behalf of school districts, reducing the foundation funding amount accordingly. Additionally, SB 149 outlined a gradual reduction in teacher salary equalization funding over three school years (2025-2028) to assist districts in meeting teacher compensation requirements, while maintaining a target average annual teacher salary of $51,822.