MN SF3476

School boards must hold a public hearing with two weeks' published notice before closing any schoolhouse, with the hearing notice specifying the time, place, building location, and reasons for closure.

When a board proposes to close three or more schoolhouses, the decision becomes non-final if eligible voters equal to at least 3 percent of district voters at the most recent state general election file a petition within 60 days of the board's preliminary resolution or by July 1, 2016, whichever is later.

If a valid petition is filed, the board must conduct a referendum on a date of its choosing with a ballot describing the schoolhouses and asking voters whether the board should proceed with the closings.

The board may make a final decision to close schoolhouses only if the referendum is approved by voters.

The effective date is the day following final enactment and applies to all schoolhouse closings not yet completed when the law takes effect.