The Little Rock School District (LRSD) introduced the Budget Reduction Plan for the 2026-27 school year. They made budget cuts in response to declining enrollment for the upcoming year, which dropped about three percent. 

The district is trying to figure out how to cut down costs through small sources such as textbooks, materials, and purchased services. If these measures do not meet the total amount that needs to be cut, salaries, outsourced custodial services, and student transportation will then be targeted according to the agenda document for an upcoming board meeting.

As for special education services, which may also be targeted, an issue arises as the number of special education students increased while the budget has been steadily decreasing from 2017 to 2026. 

The budget in the years of 2017-18 was about 61.8 million. That number for 2026-27 will drop down to 29.6 million. As the LRSD has struggled to keep enrollment in their schools up, the state cut 12 to 15 million dollars. The recent drop off in enrollment is affected by the LEARNS Act, enacted in 2023, which incentivized families to opt for private or homeschooled education over public institutions. 

Feb. 26, a special meeting will take place regarding updates to the Budget Reduction Plan before it is presented to the LRSD Board of Education in April. They will also hold public meetings (Feb. 17 and Feb. 19) to discuss the topic.