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 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.