IL HB2966

Establishes a State Board of Education grant program to fund school district reorganization feasibility studies conducted by third-party consultants

Requires school districts seeking grants to negotiate a consultant agreement, adopt a board resolution, and submit application materials to their regional office of education or intermediate service center for approval

Mandates the State Board of Education to annually notify all school district boards and superintendents about available grant funds, application procedures, and a list of qualified consultants

Prioritizes grants for contiguous districts, districts with similar property tax rates, districts with similar per-pupil adequacy funding, and additional priority districts identified by State Board rules beginning in fiscal year 2030

Prohibits any school district from receiving grants in two consecutive award cycles and requires the State Board to reevaluate priority criteria every 5 years starting in fiscal year 2035