Act 798 of 2009 provides for intervention and professional consultation upon early indicators of the fiscal distress or facilities distress of a public school district.
By August 31 of each year, the Arkansas Department of Education (Department) shall report to the superintendent of a school district if the Department is aware that the school district has experienced two (2) or more indicators of fiscal distress in one (1) school year that the Department deems to be at a nonmaterial level, but that without intervention could place the district in fiscal distress.
The superintendent of a school district shall report to the Department if the superintendent is aware the school district has experienced two (2) or more indicators of fiscal distress in one (1) school year that the superintendent deems to be at a nonmaterial level, but that without intervention could place the district in fiscal distress.
The Department has developed an Early Intervention Checklist to assist with the identification of indicators and compliance of Act 798.
Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, the attached information will be used to determine if a district qualifies for Fiscal Distress Early Intervention. Superintendents are encouraged to become familiar with the attached list so each one may fulfill the obligations as stated in Act 798 of 2009.
Rules Identifying and Governing the Arkansas Fiscal Assessment and Accountability Program are being revised to include Act 798 of 2009. Additional information pertaining to this rule revision is referenced in Commissioner’s Memo FIN-10-009.
Please contact Hazel Burnett, ADE Coordinator with any questions. Ms. Burnett may be reached at 501-682-5124 or at Hazel.Burnett@arkansas.gov.