Bill > H457

This bill modifies existing laws concerning education collaboratives, which are organizations that help local school districts share resources and services. Primarily, it changes the role of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education's appointee to the collaborative board from a voting member to a liaison, aiming to improve communication between the department and the collaboratives. The bill also removes a requirement for the department of revenue to approve the form and minimum amount of certain financial matters for collaboratives. A significant addition is the establishment of six geographic regions for education collaboratives, with one collaborative in each region designated as a "regional liaison" to identify needs, develop policies, and coordinate services with the department and other educational entities, with grants available to support these liaisons. Additionally, the board of elementary and secondary education can designate a "lead collaborative" in each region for specific state initiatives, and the department is encouraged to promote the use of collaboratives and consider them eligible recipients for grants. Education collaboratives will also be permitted to provide services to developmentally disabled individuals over 22, subject to approval from the commissioner of developmental services and adherence to that department's regulations, with a provision allowing existing service providers to continue under certain conditions. Finally, the bill makes a technical amendment by striking out a section from a previous act and mandates that the board of elementary and secondary education create necessary regulations to implement these changes.