The bill under consideration facilitates the merger of school administrative units by amending existing law to include provisions for such mergers. The amendment to RSA 194-C:2 includes the insertion of the word "Merger" in the heading, indicating that the law will now encompass the merging of school administrative units in addition to organization, reorganization, and withdrawal. The bill introduces a new paragraph that outlines the conditions for a merger, which includes having only one superintendent or equivalent personnel for the merged unit, and establishes a planning committee to evaluate proposed mergers.

Furthermore, the bill provides financial incentives for school administrative units that merge by offering a merger grant of an additional $200 per pupil annually for two years, with the condition that the merger must be completed by July 1, 2030. The funds for these grants will come from the education trust fund, and the governor is authorized to draw from this fund to fulfill the state's obligations under the bill. The number of students for the purpose of the merger grant will be based on the October 1st count, excluding charter school students. All school districts served by the newly merged administrative unit will be eligible for the grant. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 194-C:2
As Amended by the House: 194-C:2
As Amended by the Senate: 194-C:2
Version adopted by both bodies: 194-C:2
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 194-C:2