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.





F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Gorham DATE TYPED: 02/19/01 HB
SHORT TITLE: Future Teachers Program SB 594
ANALYST: Segura


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
$ 350.0 Recurring General Fund



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates HB-712

Related to SB12, and HB 324

SOURCES OF INFORMATION



State Department of Education (SDE)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



Senate Bill 594 appropriates $350.0 to create a " Future Teachers Program" aimed at recruiting students from grade 6 through post-secondary education into the teaching profession.



Significant Issues



Senate Bill 594 is aligned with the goals of the Teacher Education Accountability Council (TEAC), established to improve the recruitment, preparation, induction, and development of New Mexico's teaching force. The council was co-chaired by the State Superintendent of Public Schools and the Executive Director of Higher Education.



According to SDE, New Mexico is currently facing a shortage of approximately 1,500 teachers per year. New Mexico's colleges of education only prepare approximately 1,300 students per year. This gap between teacher supply and demand is further increased by existing teacher retirements and attrition.



The bill appropriates general fund to SDE to carry out the provisions of the program. It authorizes SDE to enter into a contractual agreement with a nonprofit organization for the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the program.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



Senate Bill 594 appropriates $350.0 from the general fund and is recurring. SDE indicates that the department will partner with a non-profit organization in developing and implementing a recruitment program. SDE would serve as the fiscal agent.



CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



Senate Bill 594 duplicates HB 712 and relates to SB 12 and HB 324.



RS/njw:ar