18A:13-56 Review of petition; hearing; actions by commissioner.

6. The Commissioner of Education shall review the petition and answers for a determination as to whether or not the petition should be granted, and if so, the amount of indebtedness, if any, to be assumed by the remaining and the new district, or by each of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution, upon approval of the legal voters pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1975, c.360 (C.18A:13-59) at a special school election. The commissioner shall consider the effect of the proposed withdrawal or dissolution upon the educational and financial condition of the withdrawing and the remaining districts, or upon each of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution, and shall schedule and hold a public hearing on the petition upon the application of any interested party. In considering the effect of the proposed withdrawal or dissolution upon the educational and financial condition of the withdrawing and remaining districts, or upon each of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution, the commissioner shall:

a. Consent to the granting of the application; or

b. Oppose the same because, if the same be granted

1. An excessive debt burden will be imposed upon the remaining districts, or the withdrawing district, or upon any of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution;

2. An efficient school system cannot be maintained in the remaining districts or the withdrawing district, or in any of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution, without excessive costs;

3. Insufficient pupils will be left in the remaining districts, or in any of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution, to maintain a properly graded school system; or

4. Any other reason, which it may deem to be sufficient; or

c. Request that if the petition be granted, the amount of debt which the remaining districts, or any of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution, would be required to assume, calculated as hereinbefore provided, be reduced for the reason that--

1. Such amount of indebtedness, together with all other indebtedness of the municipalities or school districts would be excessive;

2. The amount of expenditure for debt service which would be required would be so great that sufficient funds would not be available for current expenses without excessive taxation; or

3. Such amount of indebtedness is inequitable in relation to the value of the property to be acquired by the remaining districts, or by any of the constituent districts in the event of a dissolution, and would materially impair the credit of the municipalities or such districts and the ability to pay punctually the principal and interest of their debt and to supply such essential educational facilities and public improvements and services as might reasonably be anticipated would be required of them. The commissioner shall make findings and render a determination within 60 days of the receipt of the petition and answers.

L.1975, c.360, s.6; amended 1993, c.255, s.5; 2015, c.95, s.4.