July 21, 2004
July 21, 2004
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed a legislative package designed to increase public accountability for intermediate school districts. The new laws require the election of all board members and the disclosure of school board votes. The laws also encourage broader participation in the approval of an intermediate school district’s budget and require schools to advertise for bids for construction, repair, or renovation for a two-week period.
"These laws are a victory for taxpayers and all those who care about accountability in government," said Granholm. "In holding intermediate school districts accountable to the same standards as public school districts, these laws create a more open and effective process."
The three-bill package amends and revises several sections of the Revised School Code.
Public Act 234 of 2004 (HB 4338) requires the election of board members for intermediate school districts and requires membership of intermediate school district officers to the school board. It also provides various mechanisms for the removal of intermediate school district board members who are not popularly elected and also provides for the removal of local school district board members.
Public Act 233 of 2004 (HB 4947) requires public disclosure of school boards’ voting preferences for intermediate school board members.
Public Act 232 of 2004 (HB 5376) requires intermediate school districts, before commencing construction of a new school building or addition, repair, or renovation of an existing building, except repair in emergency situations, to comply with the same competitive bidding requirements as school districts and public academies.
