Section 705.15  Eligible Applicants

Entities eligible to apply for a grant under the Program are school districts organized under Articles 10 and 34 of the School Code. A joint application of two or more school districts may be submitted for a grant under this Part to cover all or part of the costs borne by the school districts to conduct a reorganization feasibility study. Each application must name a principal district responsible for receiving and administering grant funds, completing required submissions, and reporting to the State Board as required by Section 705.55. To be eligible for a grant under the Program, the board of the principal district shall:

a)         negotiate a proposed agreement to secure the services of a third-party consultant who will conduct the reorganization feasibility study;

b)         adopt a resolution that is signed by the board president of the district and calls for the initiation of a school district reorganization feasibility study in accordance with the terms of the proposed agreement and this Part; and

c)         submit the completed agreement form, the signed board resolution under subsection (b), a resolution that is signed by the board president of each district applying for the grant, the application cover page, and any required certifications and assurances to the regional office of education or the executive director of the intermediate service center for the district for approval (Section 2-3.206(b) of the Code).