Any two or more school districts or administrative units may combine to create a larger school district. The board of school directors of each school district desiring to form such a combination shall, by a majority vote, adopt a resolution outlining the areas to be combined and file an application for approval with the Superintendent of Public Instruction.¹ The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall place on the agenda of the State Board of Education each such application for its consideration.

The State Board of Education shall review each application upon its agenda and approve such applications as it deems wise in the best interest of the educational system of the Commonwealth.

The State Board may continue the application on its agenda and may permit any school district or interested party, aggrieved by the petition, to file its objection. Such objection shall set forth the basis for and facts of aggrievement.

If an application is not approved it shall be returned to the applying districts for resubmission in accordance with such recommendations as may be attached thereto.

When an application receives approval, the State Board of Education shall direct the Superintendent of Public Instruction to issue a certificate creating the new school district, listing the name, constituting components, classification and effective date of operation.