Our students are back in school, and now is the time to focus on the best educational resources. Forty-one percent of every tax dollar that comes into the state of Arkansas is allocated for K-12 public schools. The state provides almost half of school district revenues. State funding determinations date back to 2003 with The Public-School Funding Act. This act was designed to develop per-pupil funding assigning costs to diverse educational inputs. Funding inputs include various costs from transportation needs to faculty and staff salaries. Once the state receives tax dollars, funds are then compiled into a school district funding matrix on a per-pupil basis. Additional funding is also provided for programming devoted to alternate learning environments, students with special needs, and professional development for educational staff. Currently the Arkansas Education numbers follow: a) 1,054 public schools; b) 238 regular districts; 3) 25 open enrollment charter schools; d) 15 education service cooperatives; e) 479,432 students enrolled; f) 60.51% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch; g) 33,399 certified teachers; h) 9,118 certified staff; and i) 27,086 classified staff.
Since implementing the 2003 Public School Funding Act, education has continued to evolve. Considering such changes in student needs and resources, the House and Senate Education Committees tasked a Consulting Firm to evaluate our current K-12 education funding system and to make recommendations based on current and future modeling. The firm started working late last fall and presented its findings this past week to the joint House and Senate Education Committees. Using input from statewide educators, the firm determined some points of note. The student/counselor ratios are 385:1. This ratio is lower than the regional average, but higher than the National Association of School Psychologist’s recommended ratio of 250:1. The firm also noted that poverty concentrations in schools negatively affect learning. Higher poverty concentrations affect all students regardless of economic station. The firm also discussed strategies for improvement and expanded learning programs. The joint committees will compile and use the information they have learned to make recommendations to the 2021 Regular Session. If you would like to review any committee reports or watch future meetings, you can find them at www.arkansashouse.org.
In other community news, I hope that everyone has continued practicing safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of October 3rd, Arkansas has a total of 86,525 cases of which 7,338 are still active. A total of 481 people remain hospitalized and we grieve the loss of 1,407 Arkansans to COVID-19. I know we have all reached fatigue hearing about this crisis, but please continue all safety practices. Wear masks and try to maintain six (6) feet of social distance when possible. Sanitize common surfaces; wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds; and stay home if you are sick.
Finally, I like to share informative items that constituents might find useful. If you have questions about any legislation or the legislative process, feel free to contact me at my House of Representatives email at don.glover@arkansashouse.org or by phone at 501-682-6211. Follow me on Facebook @GloverForAR.
