BOCES as local education agencies.

HB 50 would allow Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to apply for state and federal education grants as if they were local school districts, directly affecting BOCES and participating school districts. It requires approval from at least two school districts' boards before BOCES can apply for grants on their behalf, and participating districts would not be eligible to apply for the same grants individually. The bill also requires the state education department to treat BOCES as local education agencies for grant purposes and to create rules for the application process. This change aims to streamline grant access for rural or collaborative school systems without preventing non-participating districts from applying separately.