Oklahoma § 70-1210.285 - Regional Education Administrative Districts

§ 70-1210.285. Regional Education Administrative Districts

A. The State Department of Education may establish Regional

Education Administrative Districts (READs) which may provide

administrative services to school districts throughout the state.

The Department shall provide information to school districts to

educate districts about the functions and services which may be

provided by READs. The information shall be disseminated to school

districts through regional education officers and in any other

manner deemed appropriate by the Department.

B. The administrative services provided by READs may include

but not be limited to treasurer services, accounting services,

purchasing services, warehouse and distribution services, human

resources services, construction management, maintenance, risk

management, information technology services, special education

coordination, curriculum coordination, speech pathologist services,

reading specialist services, transportation services, cafeteria

services and shared superintendent services. Any personnel

operating under a READ may be housed at a local technology center

school site.

C. If the State Department of Education finds a currently

operating regional or interlocal cooperative providing services to

school districts, the Department may provide support to the

cooperative.

D. READs may receive financial support from participating

school districts from money appropriated for state aid purposes.

The State Board of Education may determine the range of fees due to

READs for basic costs of providing services, taking into

consideration the minimum amount necessary for operation of a READ,

the number and size of participating school districts and the

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 70. Schools

geographic size of the READ service area. No fees shall be required

of school districts pursuant to this act that are greater than fees

charged school districts pursuant to similar programs.

E. 1. If two school districts enter into a mutual contract

with a superintendent pursuant to Section 5-106A of Title 70 of the

Oklahoma Statutes, both districts may receive a discounted fee, to

be determined by the State Board of Education, for participating in

a READ.

2. If three or more school districts enter into a mutual

contract with a superintendent pursuant to Section 5-106A of Title

70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the districts may receive an

appropriately discounted fee, to be determined by the State Board of

Education, for participating in a READ.

F. Participation in READs shall be voluntary.

G. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to

implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2014, c. 403, § 1.