School consolidation waiver bill passes House

The state House of Representatives approved a bill on Monday that would allow school districts in danger of being consolidated to continue operating as long as they are meeting state adequacy standards.

House Bill 1263, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Cozart, R-Hot Springs, will allow small schools that fall below an enrollment of 350 to apply for a waiver to avoid consolidation as long as the district is meeting all academic, financial and facility standards set by the state.

"This is a little 'ol bill that does a lot," Cozart said while presenting his bill. "This helps schools that really need help. We've been looking at doing this for years to do it in the right way. We think we've come up with a plan and hope it works."

Several people expressed concern about letting small districts continue operating when the bill passed through a House committee, but no representatives spoke for or against the bill on Monday.

HB1263 passed with 95 voting for, and no one voting against. It now heads to the state Senate for approval.

See Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full coverage.

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