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Minutes for HB2723 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Permitting residents to petition and vote for a transfer of school district territory; concerning requirements and procedure.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 14, 2018
Chairperson Aurand opened the hearing on HB2723.
Zach Fridell summarized the bill as permitting residents to petition and vote for a transfer of school district territory. (Attachment 10)
Representative Diana Dierks took the chair to allow the Chairperson to testify as a proponent.
Representative Aurand testified that over the past four decades many schools have closed in Western Kansas. Using the map on the back of his testimony, he gave an example of how schools have closed and showed the present student population no longer fits the historic district areas. Districts should reflect the present reality. This bill allows the transfer of school district territory to be made through a general election. (Attachment 11)
Questions were asked about the present policy and how this bill would actually change things.
Representative Aurand took the chair back.
Leah Fliter testified as neutral with concerns. KASB sees both positive and negative effects. Alignment with the actual school and community is positive, but the change in valuation can be difficult. They are neutral but willing to engage in further discussion on this proposal. (Attachment 12)
A short discussion took place about required majority votes being 40/60, or 2/3rds.
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2723.
