BOISE - The House Education Committee agreed Monday to hold a proposal related to consolidating school districts so the legislation can be clarified.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Donna Pence, D-Gooding, would create a board of trustees for consolidated school districts as they transition into their newly formed entity. Pence said that the board could change its make-up after five years.

School consolidation has been contentious in the Legislature. Last year, the Legislature approved legislation that offered financial incentives for school districts to consolidate.

On Monday, committee members voiced concern over several issues, including whether representation on the board would be subject to the one-man, one-vote concept; how school population would be determined; and that reference to the superintendent of public instruction was made three different ways.

Pence said the bill is less about consolidation and more about developing trust among the neighboring cities and districts. After the board is created, new district boundaries will be created, Pence said.

"We really need the consolidation board," she said. "It's a way to ease the minds of the communities if they're going to come together."

Under the proposal, consolidation of two districts would have a five-member board; three districts would have a seven-member board; and more than three districts could have up to nine members on a board.

The superintendent of public instruction, currently Republican Tom Luna, would choose the trustees. County commissioners would designate a trustee as well to serve as a "tiebreaker."

Pence said the legislation generally stems from concerns regarding control from Shoshone, Richfield and Dietrich districts. Pence said that under the proposal, each district could have two trustees and, county commissioners would appoint a seventh.

In the Magic Valley, Blaine County, Cassia County and Minidoka County school districts have types of consolidation.

A revised bill is expected in about a week.

Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 420-8371 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com