HF3992

Purpose

The bill would give school districts more flexibility to adjust the size of their school boards through voter referenda. It sets up a process for districts to change the number of board members (between 5, 6, and 7) while keeping a core structure of elected directors plus an ex officio member.

Main Provisions

• Baseline structure: Independent districts have a board of directors with six elected directors and an ex officio member; terms are four years, starting on the first Monday in January.

• Board size changes by referendum:

  • From six to seven: Districts with a six-member board may ask voters to increase to seven. If the majority votes yes, a seventh member is elected at the next board election for a four-year term, and the board thereafter has seven members.
  • From seven to six: Districts with a seven-member board may ask voters to reduce to six. If the majority votes yes, three members are elected at the next board election, and thereafter the board has six members.
  • From six to five (enrollment-based): Districts with a six-member board and 1,000 or fewer students enrolled on October 1 of the preceding calendar year may ask voters to reduce to five. If the majority votes yes, only two members are elected at the next board election for a four-year term, and thereafter the board has five members.
  • From five to six: Districts with a five-member board may ask voters to increase to six. If the majority votes yes, three members are elected at the next board election (subject to a requirement that the referendum be held at least 150 days before the next election), and thereafter the board has six members.

• Election timing for changes:

  • Some changes (to seven or to six) can be voted on at any school election.
  • Changes involving moving to or from six or five members with enrollment rules specify timing (e.g., at least 150 days before the next election for certain changes).

• Enrollment threshold for 5-member option: The option to reduce to five members applies only to districts with 1,000 or fewer students enrolled on October 1 of the preceding calendar year.

• Ex officio member: The board remains six elected directors plus an ex officio member as provided by law, with the referenda changing only the number of elected directors.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a voter-approved mechanism to alter the number of board members from the current fixed structure, rather than requiring a standard, statutory size.
• Establishes specific thresholds and timing for when a district can switch between 5, 6, and 7 members, including an enrollment-based limit for the 5-member option.
• Maintains the four-year term for any newly elected seats and the ongoing ex officio member provision.

What this bill aims to accomplish

• Allow districts to tailor board size to local needs and population, potentially improving governance, representation, and efficiency by letting voters choose the board size.

Relevant terms - school board - board of directors - elected directors - ex officio member - four-year term - first Monday in January - electors - school election - majority - six-member board - seven-member board - five-member board - enrollment - October 1 - 1,000 or fewer students - enrollment threshold - 150 days before the next election - next election - referendum - ballot measure