Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 211 - Arkansas Teacher Housing Development Foundation
Here’s a summary of Agency 211 – Arkansas Teacher Housing Development Foundation (ATHDF) as found in the Arkansas Administrative Code:
📚 Purpose & Legal Authority
Authorized under Arkansas Code § 6‑26‑302(a).
Manages the Arkansas Teacher Housing Incentive Program (ATHIP), offering forgivable home loans and rental stipends for teachers serving in “high‑priority” school districts
🏠 Forgivable Home Loan Program
Loan amount: Up to $10,000 or 10% of home purchase price—whichever is less.
Location requirement: Home must be within 30 miles of a qualifying high‑priority district
Teachers commit to 5 years of continuous service.
20% forgiven per year; after 5 years, the loan (interest-free) is fully forgiven
💲 Rental Stipend Program
Teachers may receive up to $2,000 per year, depending on funding.
Eligible only if renting within 30 miles of a high‑priority district and employed continuously in one
✔️ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, teachers must:
Have at least 3 years of teaching experience in their subject area.
Hold a valid teaching license.
Have taught, or be teaching, in a high-performing or high-priority district.
Commit to teaching in a qualifying district (law.cornell.edu).
Note: Designations for “high‑priority” and “high‑performing” districts are determined by the ATHDF board; official lists can be obtained from their website or the Foundation directly .
📝 Application & Award Process
Applications are accepted year-round.
Applicants must submit: planned district, teaching history (last 5 years), ≥3 recommendation letters, proof of experience/licensure (law.cornell.edu).
Awards are made based on funding availability, teacher effectiveness, location needs, and subject area .
🏦 Disbursement & Compliance
Loan funds are disbursed at closing upon signing a promissory note, forgivable loan agreement, and second mortgage.
The Foundation must be listed as a lienholder on the property for 5 years (law.cornell.edu).
Loan forgiveness is verified annually in June; forgiveness statements are issued accordingly (law.cornell.edu).
❗ Default & Repayment Conditions
Repayment is required if the teacher:
Leaves the qualifying district before 5 years, or
Moves/sells the home without relocating within 30 miles and continuing service.
Under some conditions, the loan can transfer to a new qualifying home (law.cornell.edu).
📜 Governing Statutes & Structure
Established via Act 39 of 2003, codified under § 6‑26‑101 et seq. (dfa.arkansas.gov).
Operated by a nine-member Board of Trustees, representing educators, housing professionals, and state officials (dfa.arkansas.gov).
✅ Quick Overview Table
| Program Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Home Loan | Up to $10K / 10% of home cost, forgiven over 5 years |
| Rental Stipend | Up to $2K/year |
| Eligibility | Valid license, 3+ years teaching, service in eligible district |
| Agreements Required | Promissory note, loan agreement, mortgage lien |
| Forgiveness Schedule | 20% forgiven yearly |
| Default Rules | Leave district/home early or sell without relocation |
| Board Composition | 9 members per statute |
In summary, ATHDF provides critical housing incentives to support teacher recruitment and retention in Arkansas’s underserved districts—through interest-free forgivable loans and rental stipends, with structured eligibility, application, and compliance provisions.
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