Arkansas House Bill 1025, titled "The Teacher Fair Dismissal Act of 2025," from Representative Andrew Collins seeks to amend various sections of the Arkansas Code related to teacher employment and dismissal procedures.

Here's a summary of the key changes:

• Creation of "The Teacher Fair Dismissal Act of 2025": This new subchapter establishes procedures for the termination, nonrenewal, and suspension of teacher contracts.
• Changes to Dismissal Standards:
  • Raises the standard for nonrenewal, termination, or suspension of a teacher from "cause that is not arbitrary, capricious, or discriminatory" to "just and reasonable cause."
  • Lowers the standard for compliance with this subchapter and a school district's personnel policies from "strict compliance" to "substantial compliance."
• Probationary Period: Defines "probationary teacher" as one with less than three years of continuous employment in the district. Districts can extend probation by one year with a majority vote of the school board.
• Notice and Hearing Requirements: Mandates specific notice requirements for nonrenewal and termination, including providing a written statement of reasons. Grants teachers the right to a hearing before the school board.
• Suspension Procedures: Allows superintendents to suspend teachers without notice or hearing if immediate suspension is necessary, but requires written notice within two school days.
• Appeals Process: Provides non-probationary teachers the right to appeal a school board's decision to circuit court.
• Exemptions: Exempts certain programs and agreements from the provisions of this Act, including the Arkansas Traveling Teacher Program and agreements related to exceeding maximum student numbers.

In essence, this bill raises the standard for teacher dismissal and establishes a clear appeals process.