SB 655

This bill requires the Department of Public Instruction to award a contract to an entity to conduct a study of school districts in this state that covers topics such as school district boundaries, potential school district consolidations, existing school district facilities, staffing levels and salary scales, the population of school-age children in each school district, and revenue limits and current overall spending. Under the bill, the entity that conducts the study must submit a report to DPI on its findings that includes 1) recommendations for changes to school district boundaries; 2) the conditions of existing school district facilities in each school district in this state; 3) the current population of school-age children in each school district and a 10-year projection of the same; and 4) recommendations for school district consolidations that promote efficiency and are geographically feasible and economically viable. Additionally, for each school district consolidation recommended in the report, the entity must include various information, including the estimated enrollment of the school district, the cities, village, and towns located within the school district, and the location of and grade levels served by each existing school building located in the school district. DPI must submit the report to the legislature. Finally, the bill requires DPI to submit a request to JCF for supplemental funding to accomplish the duties described above.