Sec. 8. (a) Each local board shall create and implement a pilot program plan that includes measures to:
(1) determine the:
(A) term lengths of the members; and
(B) member replacement processes;
for the local board;
(2) allow for additional flexibility and creativity to accommodate student needs throughout the school day, including transportation:
(A) to and from school;
(B) for before and after school opportunities;
(C) for work based learning experiences;
(D) for extracurricular activities; and
(E) for specialized educational opportunities;
(3) improve safety and efficiency for students;
(4) increase collaboration between school corporations, schools, governmental entities, and community organizations;
(5) track qualitative and quantitative data to gauge the success of the pilot program;
(6) collect and report data in a manner prescribed by the department regarding the pilot program;
(7) provide uninterrupted transportation services for homeless students or students in foster care as provided by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.);
(8) inspire opportunities for public-private partnerships or partnerships with other governmental entities or local nonprofit organizations;
(9) enter into revenue sharing agreements and asset use agreements with participating school corporations and schools for the duration of the three (3) year period of the pilot program;
(10) establish a process for the transfer to and receipt of funds, as applicable, by the local board from the participating school corporations and schools;
(11) accept and use donations, gifts, or bequests for the purposes of this chapter; and
(12) implement purchasing and maintenance plans and contracts with vendors, as needed, for the three (3) year period of the pilot program.
(b) Not later than July 1, 2028, each local board shall develop and submit to the department an implementation plan that includes the following:
(1) Whether at the conclusion of the pilot program the:
(A) participating school corporations and schools, as applicable, elect to continue operating with a local board; and
(B) local board established under section 6 of this chapter should be maintained or a new local board should be established.
(2) If a new local board should be established, the following components:
(A) The appointment of members to the new local board, including the appointing authority for the members.
(B) The term lengths of the members.
(C) The member replacement process.
(3) A process to ensure that the powers and duties under this chapter are maintained by the local board or transferred to the new local board after completion of the pilot program.
(4) The transfer of all assets and related funding regarding school transportation to the local board or new local board.
(5) The development and implementation of a long term asset management and sustainability plan.
[Pre-2026 Revision Citation: 20-20-53-8.]
As added by P.L.74-2026, SEC.37.
