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BLR report: matrix math, staffing patterns and gaps in mental‑health access highlighted
Summary
Bureau of Legislative Research analyst Nell Smith presented a resource allocation report comparing districts’ expenditures with the statutory matrix, highlighting where districts rely on federal or other funds, Arkansas’ unusually high librarian staffing, and limited school‑based mental‑health access.
Nell Smith, administrator and research data analyst with the Bureau of Legislative Research, briefed the Senate Education Committee on a resource allocation report that compares districts’ actual spending with the matrix‑based funding levels that underlie foundation funding.
Smith explained the matrix calculation: the matrix lists staffing for a prototypical 500‑student school, multiplies FTE counts by a salary and benefits package (the report cited a matrix teacher salary+benefits package of $65,811, with a base salary component near $52,386), then divides by 500 to produce per‑student funding amounts. She said classroom teachers are the largest single matrix component and that the matrix funds roughly $3,300 per…
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