This bill amends the procedures for withdrawal from cooperative school districts and the discontinuance of schools in New Hampshire. It allows a majority of voters in a single withdrawing district to decide on withdrawal, changing the previous requirement for a majority across the entire cooperative district. The voting requirement is modified from a simple majority to a 3/5 supermajority for approval of withdrawal, which serves as conclusive evidence of the district's decision. Additionally, the bill mandates that voters in all municipalities served by a school district must participate in votes regarding school closures and establishes a process for municipalities to preserve the operation of schools that would otherwise be closed. Furthermore, the bill requires municipal governing bodies to negotiate operating agreements with the school district if they choose to keep a school open, with a 60-day deadline for these negotiations. It empowers the state board of education to conduct hearings and make final decisions on school closures when no operating agreement exists. The bill also mandates that school boards review their operating documents every three years and report their findings and recommendations. Key deletions include the repeal of RSA 194:35, which previously addressed the discontinuance of high schools, while new sections on school closures and reporting requirements have been added to enhance local control and community involvement in significant educational decisions. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 195:29, 195:25
As Amended by the Senate: 195:29, 195:25, 195-A:9, 194-C:5, 194:35
HB1374 text: 195:29, 195:25