(1) Petitions signed by a majority of the members of each of the boards of adjoining districts may be filed with the department asking that the boundary line between the districts be changed. These petitions shall identify the existing boundary line between the districts and the proposed new gross territorial boundary.

  (2) Within 30 days after a petition has been filed, the department shall hold a public hearing upon the question of the proposed boundary change. All members of the affected districts, and all other interested persons, may attend the hearing and be heard.

  (3) After the hearing, the department shall determine, upon the facts presented at the hearing and upon other relevant information, whether the operation of the districts within the proposed new gross territorial boundaries would be administratively and economically feasible. If the department determines the operation of the districts within the proposed new boundaries will be feasible, it shall record that determination and notify the boards of the districts of its determination.

  (4) The boards of the affected districts shall present an application to the secretary of state, signed by them, for a certificate evidencing the change of boundary. The application shall be accompanied by a statement of the department certifying that the boundary between the districts has been changed pursuant to the procedures prescribed and identifying the new gross territorial boundary lines. When the application and statement are filed, the change of boundary is effective and the date of filing shall be identified on the certificate which the secretary of state shall issue to the boards of the affected districts.