TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING A SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE CERTIFICATION OF AN OATH FOR A SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR.

School directors face deadlines for taking office

Beginning May 1, 2024, Arkansas school directors must take and sign their oath within 10 days after receiving election or appointment notice. The notice comes from the county clerk or designee, and someone legally authorized to administer oaths must administer it. The oath must name the district where the director will serve. Directors pledge to support the U.S. and Arkansas constitutions, follow state ethics rules, and faithfully perform their duties. They also pledge to avoid direct or indirect interests in district contracts, except where state law allows them. Within the same 10-day deadline, directors must submit proof to the county clerk or designee. This proof must include the oath copy, both signatures, and the date. Upon receipt, the clerk or designee must immediately commission the director, who must immediately begin serving. The clerk must phone the superintendent by the next business day's close and send the certificate to the district office within five days. For late or rejected proof, the clerk must phone the superintendent by the close of business the day after the date stated in the notification. Elected directors who fail to take the oath and submit proof cannot qualify to serve, triggering a holdover.