Two or more school administrative units may enter into cooperative agreement to provide regional special education programs and support services.

1. 1. General criteria Programs and services established through this agreement shall meet the requirements set forth in section 7204, subsection 4.

   [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. 2. Special provisions A program shall specify that:

   1. A. One of the school administrative units shall serve as fiscal agent;

      [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

   2. B. No requirement exists for separate budget approval and taxation; and

      [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

   3. C. School construction may not be proposed for special education purposes.

      [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

   [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. 3. Plan A plan for a regional program shall be subject to approval by the commissioner prior to its implementation. The plan shall specify:

   1. A. The objectives and functions to be performed by the regional program;

      [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

   2. B. The method of fiscal operation and cost sharing;

      [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

   3. C. The method of entering into and withdrawing from the agreement;

      [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

   4. D. The method of administering the regional program;

      [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

   5. E. The method of involving parent and community participation; and

      [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

   6. F. The school administrative unit that shall act as fiscal agent for the regional program.

      [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

   [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

4. 4. Funding The regional program shall be supported by funds included in the special education appropriations of each of the member school administrative units.

   [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

PL 1981, c. 693, §§5,8 (NEW).