Arkansas sets spending limits for school facilities and transportation

The Department of Education may spend up to $211,828,951 on the Academic Facilities Partnership program and $3,511,538 on the Academic Facilities Catastrophic program. The money comes from the Educational Facilities Partnership Fund Account to assist Arkansas public school districts. Spending depends on money available by law and must follow state spending rules. This budget sets aside no money for academic equipment, extraordinary circumstances, or high-growth facility programs. This spending authority runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Department of Education’s Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation may spend up to $3,065,682 on operations. The budget covers staff pay, employer costs, operating expenses, travel, and $207,500 for safety training. Money comes from the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation Fund Account, and spending depends on available money. Temporary or part-time workers may be hired when needed, within the pay limits for their jobs. The operating budget and staffing limits apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The division may move available charter school facility loan money into the loan fund and request approved adjustments to this law’s budget. Charter transfers cover money available for the Open-Enrollment Public Charter School Facilities Loan Program. General adjustments cover only this law’s budget. General budget adjustments require approval from the state’s chief fiscal officer and the Arkansas Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. The division may submit no more than two general budget transfer requests per fiscal year. If a court rules the legislative approval requirement unconstitutional, the entire general budget transfer section becomes void. Both transfer powers apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.