School District Unification and Consolidation Commission

PURPOSE:     To: (1) study the costs and benefits of unification or consolidation of school districts, or both, including any potential savings associated with a reduction in administrative personnel; (2) examine various models for unification or consolidation of school districts, or both, taking into consideration the demographics of Arizona and academic research regarding the optimal size of school districts; and (3) examine the impact of school district unification and consolidation, or both, on each of the following (a) school district taxes and indebtedness, (b) academic curricula, (c) special services, (d) school facilities, (e) school personnel, (f) transportation of pupils, (g) school district governance and elections, (h) desegregation orders and agreements, and (i) extracurricular activities.  On or before November 15, 2003, the Commission shall submit a report that summarizes its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation for introduction in the Forty-sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session, to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  A copy of this report shall be delivered to the Secretary of State and the Director of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records.

MEMBERSHIP:

House              Three members of the House of Representatives, not more than two from the same political party, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

Huppenthal (Chair), Landrum, McClure

Senate             Three members of the Senate, not more than two from the same political party, appointed by the President of the Senate:

Aguirre, Bee, Jarrett

Other               One superintendent of a common school district, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

Mr. Brett Agenbroad, Topock Elementary

                        One parent of a child enrolled in a kindergarten program or any grade one through eight in a school district in Arizona, appointed by the President of the Senate:

Ms. Susan Bitter Smith

                        One teacher employed in a school district in Arizona, appointed by the President of the Senate:

Ms. Judy Boch

                        The Executive Director of the School Facilities Board or the Director's designee:

Mr. Edward E. Boot

                        One superintendent of a union high school district, appointed by the President of the Senate:

Dr. James Buchanan, Tempe Union High School District

                        One county school superintendent, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

Dr. Sandra Dowling, Maricopa County School Superintendent

                        The Superintendent of Public Instruction or the Superintendent's designee:

Mr. Art Harding, Arizona Department of Education

                        One member of an organization that represents taxpayers in Arizona, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

Mr. Michael Hunter, Arizona Tax Research Association

                        One member who has expertise in school finance, appointed by the President of the Senate:

Mr. Jay Kaprosy, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

                        One parent of a child enrolled in any grade nine through twelve in a school district in Arizona, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

Ms. Tee Lambert

                        One elected member of a school district governing board of a school district that qualifies for the small school adjustment, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

Ms. Carol Lee

                        One elected member of a unified school district governing board, appointed by the President of the Senate:

Dr. Mary Belle McCorkle, TUSD Governing Board

                        One member who has expertise in demographics, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

Mr. Keith Vaughan, Gilbert School District

Notes:              The Commission shall elect a Chair and Co-Chair from among its members.

CONTACT: Kimberly Yee, Senate Research Staff; Brian Lockery, House Research Staff

REPORT DATE: 11/15/03

EXPIRATION DATE: 12/31/2003

STATUTORY CITE: Laws 2002, Chapter 316, Sec. 3