This bill establishes a School Cooperative Purchasing Program that allows multiple school districts and school administrative units (SAUs) to enter into joint agreements for the procurement of goods and services. The program is designed to leverage the collective purchasing power of participating schools to secure better pricing on essential expenses such as student transportation, food services, curriculum materials, and heating fuel. The director of procurement and support services, in collaboration with the Department of Education, will oversee the program, which includes provisions for voluntary participation by school districts and chartered public schools. Notably, purchases made through this program will fulfill competitive bidding requirements, thereby streamlining the procurement process.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section on Cooperative School Purchasing Agreements, allowing two or more school districts to jointly procure goods or services with written agreements approved by their respective school boards. These agreements can facilitate joint solicitation of bids and shared contract management while ensuring that each participating entity maintains oversight of its expenditures. The bill also mandates that school districts enhance their sexual harassment policies, including specific elements such as definitions, complaint processes, and anti-retaliation measures. Furthermore, it grants the State Board of Education the authority to place schools or SAUs into receivership for significant operational issues, emphasizing the need for a turnaround plan. Overall, the bill aims to improve procurement efficiency and address operational challenges in schools, although it does not allocate new funding or positions, and its fiscal impact remains indeterminable pending further information from the Department of Education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-N:9, 186:8
SB580 text: 21-N:9, 186:8