NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Education SDE

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 506 would appropriate $300.0 to SDE for the Los Lunas Schools Career Academy.

Significant Issues

The Academy prepares high school students for careers in, or further educational instruction in:

- fields in electronics and electrical industries;

- skilled manufacturing, manufacturing design;

- quality control and the hospitality industry.

The Department of Labor projects a growth-percent change for Computer Engineers of 89% through 2006 with anticipated compensation of $30,000-$50,000 annually for Electrical/Electronic Technicians and Industrial/ Mechanical Engineers.

The designated programs will articulate with UNM- Valencia and Albuquerque T-VI postsecondary programs of study. The specific utilization of funding for the Los Lunas Schools Career Academy is not defined in the bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Senate Bill 506 appropriated $300.0 from the general fund and is recurring.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

According to SDE, the identification, hiring and retention of qualified instructional staff from the business and industry sectors selected may prove difficult.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

Companion to House Capital Outlay Request # 103

Relationship to House Capital Outlay Request #140

RMS/prr