(a) Any one or more interested school districts may make a preparatory study of the need and feasibility of establishing a community college in its or their area. The state board may provide professional advice and technical assistance in the study. Such study shall include evidence and analysis of each of the following:

(1) The present concentration of population and population trends and projections within the area;

(2) total school enrollment in grades one (1) through twelve (12) and in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) in such area;

(3) the number of high-school graduates during the preceding ten-year period in such area, and a classification of them by their post high-school educational experience;

(4) types and capacities of educational facilities beyond the high-school level present in such area;

(5) educational services needed within such area;

(6) ability of such area to contribute to the financial support of a community college;

(7) such other data as the state board may by rule and regulation or otherwise require.

(b) The preparatory study shall include recommendations concerning the establishment of the community college and programs of instruction which would be most appropriate for such area at the time of establishment of the college. The preparatory study shall include recommendations for method of election and voting plan.

(c) After due consideration of the preparatory study, the boards of education of any one or more school districts in such area may file a petition in writing with the state board that the establishment of a community college be approved. Such petition shall be accompanied by a certified copy of the resolution of the petitioning board or boards authorizing the request; a copy of the preparatory study; a statement in such form and detail as the state board may require setting forth a plan of financing and the student potential for the proposed community college; and any other information which may assist in explaining or supporting the request.