(a) The state board may approve proposals for the reorganization of school districts, if the state board has determined, with respect to the proposal and the resulting school districts, that all of the following conditions are substantially met:
(1) The reorganized districts will be adequate in terms of number of pupils enrolled.
(2) The school districts are each organized on the basis of a substantial community identity.
(3) The proposal will result in an equitable division of property and facilities of the original district or districts.
(4) The reorganization of the school districts will preserve each affected district’s ability to educate pupils in an integrated environment and will not promote racial or ethnic discrimination or segregation.
(5) Any increase in costs to the state as a result of the proposed reorganization will be insignificant and otherwise incidental to the reorganization.
(6) The proposed reorganization will continue to promote sound education performance and will not significantly disrupt the educational programs in the affected districts.
(7) Any increase in school facilities costs as a result of the proposed reorganization will be insignificant and otherwise incidental to the reorganization.
(8) The proposed reorganization is primarily designed for purposes other than to significantly increase property values.
(9) The proposed reorganization will continue to promote sound fiscal management and not cause a substantial negative effect on the fiscal status of the affected district.
(10) Any other criteria that the state board may, by regulation, prescribe.
(b) The state board may approve a proposal for the reorganization of school districts if the state board determines that it is not practical or possible to apply the criteria of this section literally, and that the circumstances with respect to the proposals provide an exceptional situation sufficient to justify approval of the proposals.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 186, Sec. 31. (AB 2659) Effective January 1, 2017.)