SB 3494

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Requires the State Board of Education to conduct a study on the feasibility and cost saving benefits of consolidating specific school districts in the same geographic area. Provides that the study shall include specific recommendations on which districts should be consolidated. Requires the State Board to compile the results of the study and list the districts recommended for consolidation in a report to be submitted to the General Assembly and the Governor on or before January 1, 2014 and conduct public hearings in each district the report recommends be consolidated within 90 days after the submission of the report to the General Assembly. Requires the General Assembly to vote on accepting or rejecting the report's recommended district consolidations within 90 calendar days after each house of the General Assembly next convenes after the last public hearing has been conducted by adoption of a resolution by a record vote of the majority of members elected in each house. Provides that if the General Assembly fails to vote on accepting or rejecting the report's recommended district consolidations within such 90-day period, then the report's recommended district consolidations shall be deemed required consolidations by law. Provides that any resolution adopted by the General Assembly accepting any of the report's recommended district consolidations shall be binding on the affected district.