46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE; CHANGING HOW PROGRAM COST IS CALCULATED USING THE INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE INDEX.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. Section 22-8-18 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1974, Chapter 8, Section 8, as amended) is amended to read:

"22-8-18. PROGRAM COST CALCULATION--LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD RESPONSIBILITY.--

A. The total program units for the purpose of computing the program cost shall be calculated by [multiplying] adding the sum of the program units itemized [as Paragraphs (1) through (4)] in this subsection [by] and the [instruction] instructional staff training and experience index [and adding the program units itemized as Paragraphs (5) through (8) in this subsection]. The itemized program units are as follows:

(1) early childhood education;

(2) basic education;

(3) special education, adjusted by subtracting the units derived from membership in class D special education programs in private, nonsectarian, nonprofit training centers;

(4) bilingual multicultural education;

(5) size adjustment;

(6) at-risk program;

(7) enrollment growth or new district adjustment; and

(8) special education units derived from membership in class D special education programs in private, nonsectarian, nonprofit training centers.

B. The total program cost calculated as prescribed in Subsection A of this section includes the cost of early childhood, special, bilingual multicultural and vocational education and other remedial or enrichment programs. It is the responsibility of the local school board to determine its priorities in terms of the needs of the community served by that board. Funds generated under the Public School Finance Act are discretionary to local school boards, provided that the special program needs as enumerated in this section are met."

Section 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2003.