SB 598

Currently, the procedure for the consolidation of two or more school districts is

the following:

1. The school boards adopt resolutions stating that they will consider

consolidating their school districts.

2. In the first July following the adoption of resolutions, the school boards may

order the school districts consolidated.

3. A referendum is held on the consolidation if the school board of any of the

affected school districts directs that one be held, or if a petition signed by a sufficient

number of electors is filed before the second Tuesday of September. The referendum,

if necessary, is held in November.

4. The consolidation takes effect on the following July 1.

This bill provides two alternative timelines for school district consolidations if

the school boards considering consolidation specify in their initial resolutions which

alternative timeline applies. The timeline for the first alternative is the following:

1. The school boards may order the school districts consolidated in the first

December following the adoption of their initial resolutions.

2. A referendum is held on the consolidation if the school board of any of the

affected school districts directs that one be held, or if a petition signed by a sufficient

number of electors is filed before the second Tuesday of February. The referendum,

if necessary, is held in April.

3. The consolidation takes effect on the second following July 1.

The timeline for the second alternative is as follows:

1. The school boards may order the school districts consolidated in the first May

following the adoption of their initial resolutions.

2. A referendum is held on the consolidation if the school board of any of the

affected school districts directs that one be held, or if a petition signed by a sufficient

number of electors is filed before the second Tuesday of July. The referendum, if

necessary, is held in September.

3. The consolidation takes effect on the following July 1.