(2) Ways a superintendent of a school administrative unit may establish an alternative education program;

(3) Agreements between superintendents to permit students to have tuition funds follow the students to an alternative education program; and

(4) Ways the Department of Education may amend basic school approval regulations regarding alternative education programs.

B. In examining these topics, the task force may:

(1) Hold informational sessions for discussions with knowledgeable persons;

(2) Conduct, summarize and analyze the results of a literature search;

(3) Conduct, tabulate and analyze the results of a survey of the public or affected persons and groups;

(4) Procure and analyze relevant data;

(5) Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on legal questions within the scope of the study; and

(6) Determine and summarize the legislative actions or governmental programs undertaken in other jurisdictions related to issues within the scope of the study.

5. Staff assistance. Upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide necessary staffing services to the task force.

6. Compensation. The members of the task force who are Legislators are entitled to the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings of the task force.

7. Report. The task force shall submit its report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 120th Legislature no later than January 15, 2002. If the task force requires an extension of

time to make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension.

8. Budget. The chairs of the task force, with assistance from the task force staff, shall administer the task force's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the task force shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for approval. The task force may not incur expenses that would result in the task force exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the task force, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the task force chairs and staff with a status report on the task force's budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes the Task Force to Study Alternative Secondary Education and the Unique Needs of Disenfranchised Students.