KY HB827

Establishes minimum enrollment requirements for independent school districts: 300 in-person students for districts serving grades K-8 only, and 450 in-person students for districts serving any high school grades (9-12)

Allows independent districts falling below minimum enrollment to continue operating only if the Kentucky Board of Education finds they maintain a more efficient program, based on student achievement, lack of waste or mismanagement, nonresident enrollment numbers, and projected merger impact

Expands merger procedures to apply between any contiguous school districts, not just independent-to-county mergers; requires voter approval from both districts if boards cannot agree on merger terms

Authorizes the Kentucky Board of Education to direct mandatory merger of an insolvent school district with a contiguous district when the district cannot meet operating expenses and cannot negotiate a voluntary merger

Requires the Kentucky Board of Education to promulgate administrative regulations establishing procedures and terms for merging school districts due to insolvency