SECTION 210:1-3-3. District status change

(a)   Formation of an independent district. Upon request from a school district with the required supportive data to change the status of a school district, the State Board of Education will review the reasons presented and approve or disapprove.

(1)   If an elementary school district has justification to add one or more high school grades, it requires the formation of an independent school district. The formation of an independent school district requires State Board of Education approval.

(2)   An elementary school district's request to the State Board of Education for approval to add high school grade(s) and form an independent district shall include, but not be limited to, the following items of justification:

(A)   A written plan which includes a timetable for the addition of each of the four grades (9–12);

(B)   A fiscal evaluation of the previous 3 years of operation which includes all audits, analysis of carryover, and an estimate of revenue and increased costs for operation for the next 5 years;

(C)   An analysis of past, present and projected student enrollment (5 years past and 5 years future);

(D)   Pertinent data regarding student transfers both into and out of the school district for the present school year and the two preceding years;

(E)   A history of bond elections within the school district for the past 5 years which includes vote totals, present bonding capacity and percent of bonding capacity voted and bond rating;

(F)   Proof of adequacy of facilities and/or construction plans to house high school students;

(G)   Proof of adequacy of library/media center;

(H)   Documentation of support by the community; and

(I)   A written plan to appoint the two additional board members and to organize a five member board of education and assign each member a board position number.

(3)   In the event the State Board of Education approves a change in status from an elementary school district to an independent school district, the board of education of the elementary school district shall appoint two additional school board members who meet eligibility requirements and designate the terms of service by assigning each board member a board position number, one through five, to conform to the law [70 O.S., Section 5-107A]. The new five member board of education shall become effective at the first meeting of the new school board after the change of status is approved by the State Board of Education.

(b)   Annexations. Annexations and related procedures are governed by statute; see 70 O.S., Section 7-101, 1993 Supplement.

(c)   Consolidations. Consolidations and related procedures are governed by statute; see 70 O.S., Section 7-105, 1993 Supplement.

[Source: Amended at 11 Ok Reg 4761, eff 9-14-94 (emergency); Amended at 12 Ok Reg 1351, eff 5-25-95]