What was unclear in Act 919 was how exactly the assets like buses and school property would be split between the “isolated” schools. Sen. Irvin recently presented an amendment added to the state’s education budget bill, House Bill 1007.
The Mountain View School District says they were not given adequate notice as the amendment moved forward.
The Finance and facilities coordinator for the district told lawmakers last week district leaders felt they had been “left in the dark” during the process, noting they were unaware of key funding mechanisms until late stage discussions.
They also question whether the amendment received proper consideration, pointing out it was inserted into a budget bill during the fiscal session rather than going through the standard committee process typically required for substantive policy changes.
Under the amendment, districts would be required to transfer 90% of state foundation funding per student to the newly formed isolated districts, based on prior year enrollment figures. It also clarifies how school buses, textbooks and furniture would be divided between the existing and detaching schools. For Mountain View that would come at a cost of around $2.9 million and administrators warn that the requirements could create immediate financial pressure while supporters of the detachment have stated the funds would be necessary for the Timbo and Rural Special to function independently.
The district has already allocated for the school year, meaning any required payments would come after those funds have effectively been committed.
In a statement released Monday, the district also pushed back on reports suggesting it had softened its position.
“Recent media coverage has suggested that our district now supports the amendment to Act 919. That is not an accurate representation of our position,” the district said and emphasized that compliance with state law should not be interpreted as endorsement.
On Sunday KAIT TV ran a story on the changes with Assistant Superintendent for Mountain View Brent Howard stating, “We will support the amendment and we will go with what we are being told down there in Little Rock.”
“Our concerns regarding this amendment have not changed,” the statement Monday reads. “We continue to believe the financial structure of this amendment places a disproportionate burden on our district and creates real risk for our students.”
The district added it is relying on assurances from state leaders and the Arkansas Department of Education that it will be reimbursed for any losses tied to the separations.
“That commitment is critical, and we fully expect it to be honored,” the statement said.
Sen. Irvin has argued existing districts will have sufficient resources to manage the transition, pointing to a $5.9 million Consolidation Incentive Fund that could provide assistance if needed.
Mountain View administrators maintain their primary concern is protecting students who remain in the district. “We will continue to advocate for our students, operate in good faith, and hold state leaders accountable for the promises that have been made.”
If approved by the full Legislature, the changes would take effect for the upcoming school year August 1.
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