This bill amends the current law regarding the composition and election of cooperative school boards. It mandates that representatives from pre-existing districts must be elected solely by voters within their respective districts, replacing the previous requirement that all members be elected at large. Specifically, the bill introduces a new provision stating that each member of the cooperative school board must be domiciled in and represent a pre-existing district, ensuring that at least one resident representative is elected from each district. Additionally, it establishes that when a vacancy occurs in a cooperative school board seat elected at large, the successor must be domiciled in the same municipality as the outgoing member.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the process for filling vacancies on cooperative school boards. It stipulates that if a vacancy arises, the remaining board members from the same town or towns as the departed member will fill the vacancy, provided there are at least two such members. If not, the selectmen of the involved towns will appoint a replacement. The bill also ensures that any appointed member must meet the new domicile requirement established in the bill. Overall, these changes aim to enhance local representation and accountability within cooperative school boards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 195:19-a, 671:33