44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO STUDY OPTIONS WITHIN THE EDUCATIONAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO ASSIST IN THE RECRUITMENT OF TEACHERS AND TO ALLEVIATE THE SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS.

WHEREAS, research indicates that New Mexico, like the rest of the nation, is facing a shortage of qualified teachers; and

WHEREAS, teachers who are close to retirement are a resource available to alleviate the shortage of qualified teachers; and

WHEREAS, recruiting selected retired teachers back into service in the public schools is another means of alleviating the shortage of qualified teachers; and

WHEREAS, growing numbers of teachers and other school personnel in New Mexico are retiring and drawing benefits under the state retirement system while working in the public school system of another state; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas have implemented programs that, under certain conditions, allow retired teachers to return to service in special needs areas; and

WHEREAS, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana and Texas have implemented deferred retirement option plans, known as DROP programs; and

WHEREAS, the effects, if any, of such programs upon the actuarial soundness of the state's educational retirement system must be carefully considered;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education along with the educational retirement board examine the feasibility of retiring teacher enticement programs, such as the DROP program, that are effective in keeping teachers on the job for a longer period and in encouraging teachers to return to work after retirement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education study other alternatives that would entice teachers eligible for retirement to continue working in the profession; and

BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education examine the effect that any teacher enticement or recruitment programs may have on the actuarial soundness of the educational retirement fund; and

BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED that the state department of public education report its findings and recommendations to the legislative education study committee by November 1, 2000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the superintendent of public instruction, the director of the educational retirement board and the director of the legislative education study committee for appropriate distribution.