AB 645

The bill requires the Department of Public Instruction to award grants to reimburse consortia of two or more school boards for up to $25,000 of the costs of a feasibility study for school district consolidation or a whole grade sharing agreement. The bill specifies that a professional financial analysis, which may include a population study, of the effects of consolidation or whole grade sharing on the school districts, is eligible for reimbursement under the grant program. Under the bill, to be eligible for a grant for a feasibility study, each school board in a consortium must demonstrate that it has adopted a resolution to consider school district consolidation.

Current law provides additional funding to a consolidated school district during the first seven years after consolidation. Current law does not provide funding for feasibility studies or other costs to school districts that are considering school district consolidation or whole grade sharing.