72-530. Transfer of territory; mediation process. (a) The state board, in accordance with this section, shall implement procedures to allow districts to discuss any proposal for the transfer of territory pursuant to K.S.A. 72-521 et seq., and amendments thereto, through a mediation process.

(b) The procedures implemented by the state board shall ensure that any mediation is conducted by a qualified and impartial mediator who is trained in effective mediation techniques. The state board shall maintain a list of individuals who are qualified mediators.

(c) Any district proposing a transfer of territory first shall seek an agreement to transfer the territory. If an agreement is not obtained, the proposal for the transfer shall be abandoned or the district seeking the transfer shall file a written request with the state board for the appointment of a mediator.

(d) When a request to appoint a mediator is received, the state board shall appoint a mediator and shall notify the school districts of the appointment of the mediator.

(e) Each session in the mediation process shall be scheduled in a timely manner and shall be held in a location that is convenient to the districts. Each district involved in a proposed transfer of territory shall be required to participate in at least one mediation session. The district requesting the transfer shall bear the cost of the mediation process.

(f) If mediation fails to result in an agreement between the districts, a petition for transfer of territory may be submitted to the state board pursuant to K.S.A. 72-532, and amendments thereto.

History: L. 2004, ch. 13, § 1; April 8.