October 28, 2009, Introduced by Rep. Miller and referred to the Committee on Education.
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled
"The revised school code,"
(MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 16.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 16. (1) The school district modernization advisory
commission is created as a temporary commission under section 4 of
article V of the state constitution of 1963. The department shall
provide staffing and administrative support for the school district
modernization advisory commission.
(2) The school district modernization advisory commission
shall consist of the following members, appointed by the governor
with the advice and consent of the senate:
(a) One member nominated by the senate majority leader.
(b) One member nominated by the speaker of the house of
representatives.
(c) One member representing the Michigan education
association.
(d) One member representing the Michigan federation of
teachers.
(e) One member representing Michigan school boards.
(f) One member representing Michigan school administrators.
(g) One member representing intermediate school districts.
(h) One member representing school principals.
(i) One member representing school support staff.
(j) Two members representing public school parents.
(k) Three members representing the general public.
(l) The superintendent of public instruction or his or her
designee.
(3) In appointing members to the school district modernization
advisory commission under subsection (2), the governor shall
attempt to ensure that there is geographic diversity among the
members of the commission.
(4) The members first appointed to the school district
modernization advisory commission shall be appointed within 45 days
after the effective date of this section.
(5) If a vacancy occurs on the school district modernization
advisory commission, the governor shall make an appointment to fill
the vacancy in the same manner as the original appointment.
(6) The first meeting of the school district modernization
advisory commission shall be called by the superintendent of public
instruction. At the first meeting, the school district
modernization advisory commission shall elect from among its
members a chairperson and other officers as it considers necessary
or appropriate. After the first meeting, the school district
modernization advisory commission shall meet at least monthly, or
more frequently at the call of the chairperson or if requested by 8
or more members.
(7) A majority of the members of the school district
modernization advisory commission constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at a meeting of the school district
modernization advisory commission. A majority of the members
present and serving are required for official action of the school
district modernization advisory commission.
(8) The business that the school district modernization
advisory commission may perform shall be conducted at a public
meeting of the school district modernization advisory commission
held in compliance with the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL
15.261 to 15.275.
(9) A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or
retained by the school district modernization advisory commission
in the performance of an official function is subject to the
freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.
(10) Members of the school district modernization advisory
commission shall serve without compensation. However, members of
the school district modernization advisory commission may be
reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the
performance of their official duties as members of the school
district modernization advisory commission.
(11) The school district modernization advisory commission
shall do all of the following:
(a) Review current school district boundaries to identify
instances where consolidation of 2 or more school districts or
other action affecting school district boundaries, including the
division of larger school districts, would likely result in
significant cost savings without negative educational impact.
(b) Not later than August 1, 2010, compile a report detailing
instances where consolidation of 2 or more school districts or
other action affecting school district boundaries, including the
division of larger school districts, would likely result in
significant cost savings without negative educational impact,
submit this report to the legislature, and make this report
available to school districts and the general public.
(12) In performing its duties under subsection (11), the
school district modernization advisory commission shall attempt to
preserve or encourage class sizes for grades K to 3 of not less
than 17 or more than 19 pupils per classroom.