Special elections generally must be held when at least 10 percent of the students are affected by a proposed boundary change or a new district is being formed, or when bond debt is being adjusted or transferred. If voters reject either the proposal to form a new district or adjust bond debt, the regional committee may modify the proposal and resubmit it to the State Board of Education for reconsideration. The provisions in current law regarding forming school districts and changing school district boundaries are significantly modified. When a city or town changes boundaries, any proposed school district boundary changes will follow the general statutory process for such changes. When a petition is received by the ESD, the ESD notifies the affected school districts who must then negotiate to see if an agreement can be reached regarding the petition.
Mediation is provided for.
If the regional committee approves the submitted proposal, the ESD implements it unless the approval is appealed to the State Board of Education. A decision by the regional committee to approve a proposal may be appealed to the State Board on the basis that the decision did not follow required procedures or was arbitrary and capricious. A school district or citizen petitioner may appeal the final decision of the regional committee to the court. The statutory guidelines regarding factors to be considered in reviewing proposals to change school district boundaries are modified. Local school districts, educational service districts, and regional committees are reimbursed for costs relating to proposals to change school district boundaries as appropriated in the budget.