HB 2219 Summary

• Creates the School Administrative Restructuring Act requiring the State Department of Education to publish by February 1, 2016, and annually thereafter, a list of school districts with fewer than 500 students based on average daily membership.

• Allows school districts on the restructuring list to voluntarily restructure or be annexed by submitting a petition to the State Board of Education by March 1, with completion required by May 1 and effectiveness by July 1.

• Requires mandatory restructuring by the State Board for any district on the list that does not voluntarily petition or receive approval, to be completed by May 1 and effective by July 1.

• Establishes that resulting districts must have at least 500 average daily membership, cannot close school sites for three years after restructuring, must have only one superintendent, and cannot negatively impact desegregation efforts.

• Permits noncontiguous districts to restructure if within the same county or if the Board finds educational benefit or transportation advantages; requires tracking of student educational progress and retention of all student records and historical artifacts.