LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas lawmakers have recommended increasing public school spending by between $56.6 million and $78.4 million, but they’re leaving open the possibility of tweaking that proposal later this year.
The House and Senate education committees on Monday recommended increasing funding by between 1.8 and 2.5 percent. Most of the increase would go toward the per-student funding Arkansas schools receive.
The panel said it may change its recommendation on the amount schools receive for other needs, such as students in poverty.
The panel made its recommendation as lawmakers are in the middle of fall budget hearings. Gov. Mike Beebe is expected to present his budget proposal Nov. 15.