Arkansas sets aside school operating and textbook funds

The law sets aside state, federal, and cash funds for the school’s operating costs. The funds cover operations of the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind, including regular staff positions and up to 72 temporary or part-time extra-help workers. Spending must stay within the listed purposes, funds available by law, and applicable state spending rules. These appropriations and staffing limits apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The law sets aside money for accessible textbooks and for student needs and campus improvements. Textbook funds serve blind and visually impaired students in Arkansas public schools; student-needs and campus funds support the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind. The textbook money is for buying, copying, and shipping braille and large-print books for blind and visually impaired students attending Arkansas public schools. The $250,000 for student needs and campus improvements comes from a cash fund identified by the state’s Chief Fiscal Officer. Both appropriations apply to fiscal year 2026–27, ending June 30, 2027.

With approval from the state’s Chief Fiscal Officer, the school may move money from its Summer Projects or Miscellaneous Activities budget line to specified staff and operating lines. These rules apply to the school’s State Operations budget lines and eligible school employees. The transfers may cover summer project staff and costs; Miscellaneous Activities funds may also cover contracted interpreters, eligible shift-differential pay, and additional pay for assigned duties. Eligible exempt employees whose jobs require fewer than 2,080 hours may work during summer months with the superintendent’s approval and receive up to one-twelfth of annual salary for each month or part of a month worked. These provisions apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Remaining General Revenue money in the school’s fund account is transferred to a subfund for special maintenance, renovations, or future construction. The transfer covers the balance of General Revenue funds remaining in the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind Fund Account. The school must report carry-forward amounts, programs or line items, and funding sources to the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee before presenting its budget request. The state budget office must report the amounts by its September meeting, and the information must appear in budget manuals. The account balance is measured on June 30, 2026; this provision applies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.