The Arkansas Joint Education Committee on Monday recommended increasing per-student funding for public schools by over 2% in the next two years. Under the proposal, schools would receive $8,239 per student for the 2027-2028 academic year and $8,431 the following year. Currently, funding is set at $8,037 per student.
These recommendations, part of a biennial adequacy study required by state law, will be considered during the legislative session beginning in January. The study helps determine the resources needed to provide an adequate and equitable education. A final report must be submitted to the House and Senate leaders by Nov. 1.
Rep. Keith Brooks, co-chair of the Joint Education Committee, highlighted key aspects of the proposal, including $1,000 in funding for dyslexia intervention services for kindergarten through third grade students. This initiative would account for approximately $26 million in new spending for the next fiscal year. Additionally, $14 million is allocated for "high-cost occurrence" students who require extraordinary special education services. These measures amount to about $40 million in new funding focusing on special needs.
“These recommendations, they’re not just strong, they’re amongst the strongest this committee’s ever made in the history of the adequacy study,” Brooks stated, emphasizing the prioritization of special needs funding.
Despite general support, some members voiced concerns about the expedited timeline for reviewing the recommendations. Republican Rep. Julie Mayberry expressed her approval for the proposals but noted the lack of time for detailed committee discussions before Monday’s vote. Rep. Stephen Meeks, a senior Republican committee member, reassured lawmakers that further debate could occur when legislation based on the recommendations is drafted and debated in the upcoming session.
Brooks confirmed he plans to sponsor a bill incorporating the new per-student funding figures during next year’s legislative session.