This bill amends the process for electing members of cooperative school boards, stipulating that representatives must be elected solely by voters residing within their respective pre-existing districts. The previous law, RSA 195:19-a, is repealed and replaced with new provisions that require each pre-existing district to elect at least one board member, ensuring that all members are residents of the district they represent. The bill also establishes that the terms for board members cannot exceed three years and mandates the use of a non-partisan ballot system for elections. Additionally, it allows the state board of education to approve alternative methods of selection, provided they adhere to the principle of proportional representation.

Furthermore, the bill modifies RSA 195:19-b regarding the reapportionment of cooperative school boards. It allows for changes in the number, composition, and method of selection of board members during regular or special meetings, with a cap of 15 members and a maximum term of three years. The new language inserted into the bill requires that the apportionment of board members be reviewed and reapportioned based on the latest federal decennial census, ensuring that representation remains aligned with population changes. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 195:19-a, 671:8
As Amended by the House: 195:19-b