joint
technological education districts; moratorium
HB 2522 restricts the creation and enlarging of new joint technological education districts (JTEDs) until June 30, 2004 except under certain circumstances, and establishes the 15-member Joint Legislative Committee on Joint Technological Education Districts (Committee).
Laws 1990, Chapter 248, Section 1 allowed school districts to form JTEDs. In order to form a JTED, interested school districts are required to study the need to establish a joint district and initiate a plan for the establishment and operation of the district, including a proposed budget. The governing boards shall submit the study and plan to the State Board for Vocational and Technological Education (now the State Board of Education, State Board). If the State Board determines that the plan submitted for the JTED has met the statutory requirements, the proposal shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the school district seeking to become a part of the joint district at an election. If approved by the voters, the school district becomes operational as part of the JTED on the following July 1. Statute establishes the size of a JTED board as it is developed, depending on the number of participating school districts.
JTEDs are allowed to levy taxes per statute, including county equalization assistance, but any additional tax levies must be on the secondary tax. Also, JTEDs receive state financial assistance in a similar manner as school districts and have limited bonding capabilities. School districts and JTEDs can calculate a maximum of 1.250 average daily membership to be shared through a pre-determined apportionment between the JTED and the school district.
JTEDs are available to all school age children within the participating school districts. Adults may participate, but are not allowed on school campus during business hours. The joint district board may collect tuition for adult students and students who are not residents of school districts participating in the JTED.
· Places a moratorium on the creation of JTEDs until June 30, 2004.
· Allows for the formation of a new JTED under the following circumstances:
· At least two school districts voted to form a JTED before February 1, 2002.
· The JTED has been approved by voters before November 30, 2002.
· Places a moratorium on the enlarging of a JTED until June 30, 2004 unless the governing board of the school district voted to become part of the JTED prior to March 7, 2002.
· Establishes the 15-member Committee to expire December 31, 2003.
· Lists the items to be studied by the Committee.
· Requires the Committee to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 2003.
HB 2522 was amended in the Education
Committee as follows:
· Reduces the moratorium until June 30, 2004.
· Places a moratorium on the enlarging of a JTED unless the governing board of the school district voted to become part of the JTED prior to March 7, 2002.
· Allows for the formation of a new JTED under the following circumstances:
· At least two school districts voted to form a JTED before February 1, 2002.
· The JTED has been approved by voters before November 30, 2002.
· Adds two members to the Committee and adds an additional year for the Committee to complete the duties assigned.
The Education Committee was amended in the Committee of the Whole and the bill was further amended to change one membership position on the Committee.
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45th Legislature
Second Regular Session 2 April 1, 2002
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