491 Application of the Woodward Township Independent School District for transfer from the Williamsport Area School District to the Jersey Shore Area School District; doc. no. ISD-01-1

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Application of the Woodward Township Independent School District for Transfer from the Williamsport Area School District to the Jersey Shore Area School District; Doc. No. ISD-01-1

[31 Pa.B. 1530]

Notice of Application and Opportunity for Hearing

   On January 3, 2001, the State Board of Education (Board) received a certified copy of a decree of the Court of Common Pleas of Lycoming County, creating the Woodward Township Independent School District (Woodward Township) for the sole purpose of its transfer from the Williamsport Area School District (Williamsport) to the Jersey Shore Area School District (Jersey Shore). The decree was issued under section 242.1 of the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. § 2-242.1) (School Code) and under sections 292.1 and 293.1 of the School Code (24 P. S. §§ 2-292.1 and 2-293.1) represents an application to the Board for approval of the creation of Woodward Township (consisting of the Township of Woodward, Lycoming County) and its transfer from Williamsport to Jersey Shore.

   On January 18, 2001, the Board adopted a resolution establishing procedures for consideration of the Woodward Township application. In accordance with the resolution and the regulations of the Board in 22 Pa. Code § 1.5 (relating to applicability of general rules before the Board), the application will be considered by the Board under 1 Pa. Code Part II (relating to the General Rules of Administrative Practice and Procedure) (General Rules). The chairperson of the Board has appointed a committee to conduct all necessary proceedings under the General Rules and to recommend action by the Board under section 293.1 of the School Code.

   Because Williamsport has filed an appeal of the decree of the court of common pleas to the Commonwealth Court, there is substantial question as to whether the Board has the authority to act upon the application for approval of the creation of Woodward Township and its transfer until disposition of the appeal. Without deciding at this time whether the Board has the power, authority and jurisdiction during the pendency of Williamsport's appeal to the Commonwealth Court to decide upon Woodward Township's application, the committee has decided to commence the procedures that it must conduct before it makes its recommendation to the Board.

   Therefore, in anticipation of the conduct of further proceedings under the General Rules, the Board committee established to consider the application of Woodward Township hereby invites all interested persons and entities to file with the Board all appropriate notices of intervention, petitions to intervene, protests or public comments regarding the Woodward Township application.It should be noted that Williamsport and Jersey Shore, along with Woodward Township, have already been granted status as participants in the matter.

   Notices of intervention, petitions to intervene, protests and public comments must be received by the Board at its offices at 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333, no later than Friday, April 20, 2001.

   Copies of the court decree and the Board's resolution, as well as other documents filed with the Board, are available from the offices of the Board. The Board may be reached at [phone].

PETER H. GARLAND,   
Executive Director

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 01-491. Filed for public inspection March 16, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]