§ 6-15-2107 - Arkansas School Recognition Program. - Arkansas Statutes

6-15-2107. Arkansas School Recognition Program.

(a) The General Assembly finds that there is a need for an incentive program for outstanding schools. The General Assembly further finds that performance-based incentives are commonplace in the private sector and should be infused into the public sector as a reward for productivity.

(b) The Arkansas School Recognition Program is created to provide financial awards to public schools that are at:

(1) A category level of level 5 or level 4 pursuant to 6-15-2103 and at least a level 3 pursuant to 6-15-2102; or

(2) A category level of level 5 or level 4 school pursuant to 6-15-2102.

(c) (1) Each school meeting the requirements set out in subdivision (b)(1) or (2) of this section shall receive performance-based funding in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100) per student who participated in the school's assessment program.

(2) All schools meeting both criteria shall receive rewards for both categories.

(3) Each school that receives performance-based funding shall submit a proposal for its spending of the performance-based funding to the Department of Education.

(4) The department shall:

(A) Review and approve each proposal; and

(B) Approve spending of performance-based funding for academic expenses only as set forth in subsection (f) of this section.

(d) All public schools, including charter schools, that receive school category levels pursuant to 6-15-2102 and 6-15-2103 are eligible to participate in the program.

(e) (1) All eligible schools shall receive performance-based funding.

(2) (A) Funds shall be distributed to the school's fiscal agent and placed in the school's account and shall be used for purposes listed in subsection (f) of this section as determined by a committee which shall include:

(i) The principal;

(ii) A teacher elected by the faculty; and

(iii) A parent representative selected by the local Parent Teacher Association or some other local parental involvement group.

(B) The committee shall make its determination by December 15 of each applicable year.

(f) School recognition awards shall be used for the following:

(1) Nonrecurring bonuses to the faculty and staff;

(2) Nonrecurring expenditures for educational equipment or materials to assist in maintaining and improving student performance; or

(3) Temporary personnel for the school to assist in maintaining and improving student performance.

(g) The General Assembly shall appropriate and fund sufficient funds to implement this section.