SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6053

BYSenators Gaspard and Bauer

Changing powers of educational service district boards.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Gaspard, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Bender, Patterson, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke.

Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)

                  April 17, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Current state law does not authorize the boards of directors of educational services districts to enter into agreements longer than five years for the rental or lease of facilities.  State law also prohibits ESD boards of directors from directly borrowing funds to acquire real or personal property necessary to the operation of the educational service district.

SUMMARY:

Educational service district boards of directors may enter into contracts for periods not exceeding 20 years to rent or lease building space, portable buildings, security systems, computers and other equipment.

The boards of directors for ESDs may directly borrow funds to contract for real and personal property necessary for the operation of the educational service district, subject to State Board of Education approval and conditions that the Board may establish.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Dr. Doyle Winter, Superintendent, Educational Service District 121

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

Direct student service programs offered by educational service districts to school districts include pupil transportation for special education cooperatives.  Subject to the consent of the participating school districts, the educational service district shall receive directly state apportionment funds for pupil transportation for special education programs.

Educational service districts receiving state funds for pupil transportation for special education programs will establish a separate vehicle transportation account in the ESD's general expense fund.