Arkansas Education Committee Recommends Major Per-Student Funding Increase

The Joint Education Committee recommended that Arkansas increase per-student funding for public schools by more than 2% over the next two years, following a months-long adequacy study and school funding litigation. Under the recommendation, schools would receive $8,239 per student for the 2027-2028 academic year and $8,431 the following year, up from the current $8,037 per student. Committee co-chair Keith Brooks noted the recommendations include $1,000 for dyslexia intervention services and $14 million for high-cost occurrence students.

The proposed funding increases and specific allocations for special education services represent a significant increase in state spending. These recommendations will be presented to the Legislature during its session beginning in January, requiring legislative action to implement the changes.