OK SB1384

State Department of Education must publish by February 1, 2017 a list of all dependent and independent school districts with average daily membership (ADM) of less than 500 for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years.

Listed school districts may voluntarily consolidate or annex by submitting petitions to the State Board of Education by September 30, with completion deadlines based on ADM: July 1, 2018 for districts under 100 ADM; July 1, 2019 for districts under 250 ADM; and July 1, 2020 for districts under 500 ADM.

Districts that do not voluntarily submit consolidation or annexation petitions shall be consolidated or annexed by the State Board of Education according to the same completion timeline.

Consolidation and annexation agreements must address property and equipment utilization, technology center school district provisions, assumption of liabilities and assets, employee division, and transfer of student and employee records.

Districts may apply to the State Board of Education for up to a three-year delay based on compelling interest or exemplary educational attainment, with exemption from election requirements; annual lists must be published beginning February 1, 2020.