THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

INTRODUCED BY CRUZ, YOUNGBLOOD, M. O'BRIEN, CARROLL, B. BOYLE, McGEEHAN AND SABATINA, MAY 18, 2011

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MAY 18, 2011  

AN ACT

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An

act relating to the public school system, including certain

provisions applicable as well to private and parochial

schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the

laws relating thereto," in school finances, further providing

for distress in school districts of the first class.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  Section 696 of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30,

No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by

adding a subsection to read:

Section 696.  Distress in School Districts of the First

Class.--* * *

(n.3)  (1)  At the first primary, special or general election

that occurs at least ninety (90) days after the effective date

of this subsection, a binding referendum question shall be

presented to the electors of the school district of the first

class, which referendum shall ask, as a single ballot question,

whether the School Reform Commission shall be dissolved and the

members of the board of school directors for the school district

shall be elected, on a nonpartisan basis, by the qualified

electors.

(2)  If a majority of the qualified electors votes in favor

of the dissolution of the School Reform Commission and the

public election of members of the board of school directors,

then the dissolution shall be effective at least one hundred

eighty (180) days prior to the end of the current school year

and shall be effective at the end of that school year.

(3)  The election of members of the board of school directors

shall occur as soon as practicable in order for the elected

members to take office prior to the commencement of the

following school year.

* * *

Section 2.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.