Education Committee proposes funding increase

T his week, the House and Senate Education Committees approved a proposed recommendation for educational adequacy. The plan to increase state funding to $8,162 per-pupil for the 2026 school year and $8,371 per-pupil for the 2027 school year reflects a commitment to investing in the future of Arkansas students. The current funding amount is $7,771 per-pupil.

The Arkansas General Assembly has a long history of prioritizing education funding. The foundation funding model established in 2003 has been instrumental in determining the essential resources needed for an adequate education, and the recent approval of the educational adequacy report builds upon this foundation.

The funding matrix used by Arkansas calculates per-student funding based on a variety of factors, ensuring that students have access to equal opportunities in areas ranging from teacher salaries to technological resources. The approved recommendation also addresses important evolving needs for students, such as school safety and mental health support.

One key aspect of the proposal approved by the committee this week is the increase in funding for schools to hire more special education teachers and provide higher wages for classified staff. While school districts have discretion in how they use these funds, these recommendations are designed to support the overall improvement of educational outcomes for Arkansas students.

This report will now be delivered to the Governor, the House Speaker, and the Senate Pro-Tem for review. It will assist the General Assembly in not only determining educational funding but also in shaping the state budget as a whole.

Milton Nicks