Revision: March 20, 2024, 4:10 p.m.
Rep. Peternel, Carr. 6
March 13, 2024
2024-1128h
05/02
Amendment to HB 1579-FN
Amend the bill by replacing section 2 with the following:
2 New Paragraph; School Administrative Units; Merger. Amend RSA 194-C:2 by inserting after paragraph IV the following new paragraph:
V.(a) Pre-existing school administrative units may merge their administrative office with another pre-existing school administrative unit to consolidate administrative costs. Such mergers shall meet the following condition: the proposed merged school administrative unit shall have only one superintendent, or personnel responsible for superintendent duties pursuant to RSA 194-C:5, II-a.
(b) The planning committee shall study and evaluate mergers in the same manner provided for reorganization under paragraph III.
(c) Any school administrative units who are approved for merger by the planning committee shall be awarded a merger grant of an additional $200 per pupil in the merged administrative unit annually for a period of 2 years. In order to qualify for a grant under this subparagraph, the merger must be completed by July 1, 2026. The source of funds for grants under this subparagraph shall be moneys from the education trust fund established in RSA 198:39. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant from the education trust fund to satisfy the state's obligation under this subparagraph.
(d) The number of students, as defined for the purpose of the merger grant, shall be measured based on the school district in which the student resides and is educated at the school district's expense as of the October 1st count. The count shall not include charter school students.
(e) All school districts served by the newly merged school administrative unit shall be eligible for the merger grant.