ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
school district
consolidation
Purpose
Appropriates an unspecified
amount from the state general fund in FY 2001-2002 to the Department of
Education for establishing the Independent School District Consolidation
Commission (Commission), and requires this Commission to consolidate 20 percent
of the existing school districts in the state by June 30 of every year over six
years.
Background
There are 231 school
districts receiving state aid in Arizona.
Currently, two school districts are in the process of unifying, which
brings the total number of school districts in Arizona down to 229.
|
Elementary |
High School |
Unified |
|
113 |
18 |
91 |
* Summary does not include transporting districts or nonoperating
school districts.
S.B. 1264 establishes an
Independent School District Consolidation Commission charged with decreasing
the total number of school districts in Arizona to approximately 75 school
districts over a period of six years.
The fiscal impact of this
bill is unknown at this time.
Provisions
1. Appropriates an unspecified amount from the state general fund in FY 2001-2002 to the Department of Education for the Independent School District Consolidation Commission.
2. Establishes a five member Independent School District Consolidation Commission beginning in 2001 for the purpose of consolidating school districts in the state.
3. Requires the Commission to consolidate 20 percent of the existing school districts in the state by June 30 of every year between 2002 and 2007.
4. Requires the Commission to publish a draft map of consolidated school districts for purposes of public scrutiny. Requires the Commission to accept public comments and allows the Legislature to submit any recommendations regarding the consolidation proposal.
5. Requires the Commission to certify establishment of the consolidated school districts to the Department of Education.
6. Establishes requirements for membership eligibility and directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives to appoint two members, the Senate President to appoint two members and the Governor to appoint one member to the Commission.
7. Requires the chairman and vice-chairman of the Commission to be determined by a majority vote of the Commission members.
8. Establishes guidelines for the (a) removal of members, (b) the appointment of new members to serve the remainder of vacated terms and (c) meeting requirements, including quorum and public notice.
9. Prohibits a member of the Commission from being eligible for holding a public office or being employed as a paid lobbyist within three years of completing the term of office on the Commission.
10. Allows the Commission to (a) adopt a corporate seal, (b) sue and be sued, (c) contract, (d) hire staff, consultants and legal representatives and (e) be reimbursed for expenses.
11. Prohibits employees of the Department of Education from influencing or attempting to influence the Commission’s district consolidation determinations.
12. Repeals the Independent School District Consolidation Commission on July 1, 2007.
13. Provides for a general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Staff
January 30, 2001