(a)
The State Board of Education may approve proposals for the reorganization of districts, if the board has determined, with respect to the proposal and the resulting districts, that all of the following conditions are substantially met:
(1)
The reorganized districts will be adequate in terms of number of pupils enrolled.
(2)
The districts are each organized on the basis of a substantial community identity.
(3)
The proposal will result in an equitable division of property and facilities of the original district or districts.
(4)
The reorganization of the districts will preserve each affected district’s ability to educate students in an integrated environment and will not promote racial or ethnic discrimination or segregation.
(5)
Any increase in costs to the state as a result of the proposed reorganization will be insignificant and otherwise incidental to the reorganization.
(6)
The proposed reorganization will continue to promote sound education performance and will not significantly disrupt the educational programs in the districts affected by the proposed reorganization.
(7)
Any increase in school facilities costs as a result of the proposed reorganization will be insignificant and otherwise incidental to the reorganization.
(8)
The proposed reorganization is primarily designed for purposes other than to significantly increase property values.
(9)
The proposed reorganization will continue to promote sound fiscal management and not cause a substantial negative effect on the fiscal status of the proposed district or any existing district affected by the proposed reorganization.
(10)
Any other criteria as the board may, by regulation, prescribe.
(b)
The State Board of Education may approve a proposal for the reorganization of school districts if the board determines that it is not practical or possible to apply the criteria of this section literally, and that the circumstances with respect to the proposals provide an exceptional situation sufficient to justify approval of the proposals.