To clarify Opinion No. 85-131. This opinion involves releasing a teacher from her contract with a school district so that she or he may represent a teacher's organization full time. The opinion states that there are no statutes dispositive of the question, and that a local school distr

STATE OF ARKANSAS” OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL JUSTICE BUILDING, LITTLE ROCK 72201 STEVE CLARK (501) 371-2007 ATTORNEY GENERAL a ae ) \ ae eel OPINION NO. 85-143 June 19, 1985 The Honorable Ron Fuller State Representative 10020 Rodney Parham - West Suite D Little Rock, AR 72207 Dear Representative Fuller: In response to your opinion request to clarify Attorney General opinion 85-131 the following answers are provided to the question you posed. l. Does public law prohibit a district from entering an agreement with the following provisions: The district will release the teacher from all duties for the purpose of representing the teacher association and conducting association business. One hundred percent (100%) of salary and social security costs will be repaid by the teacher organization to the school district. ; All other benefits, i.e., retirement, insurance, etc. will be borne by the district and the state. Service as association president will count to- ward accumulation of seniority, tenure, and other benefits accrued as though the teacher were teaching. Upon completion, the teacher will return to the teacher's present assignment. No. As stated in opinion 85-131 there are no dispositive statutes which clearly prohibit such an agreement. 2. Is it permissible for a local district to have such a policy agreement? Yes. This is a matter for local determination. Sincerely, Attorney General JSC:1ldc