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

SPONSOR:	Nava		DATE TYPED:	1/31/03		HB
SHORT TITLE:		Continue Re:Learning Program				SB	223
					ANALYST:		Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
	$1,500.0			Recurring	GF

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to: SB 196, SB 219, HB 159

Relates to Appropriation for Eastern New Mexico in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

Responses Received From

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 223 appropriates $1,500.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of Eastern New Mexico University to continue the Re:Learning program to support school improvement in all grades of public schools statewide..

Significant Issues

Re: Learning is an established development program that provides training and resources for teachers and administrators. According to SDE, Re:Learning New Mexico has impacted over 180 schools in New Mexico school districts, has provided training for an estimated 3.500 teachers and 350 administrators. In addition, Re:Learning has provided the support to bring about systemic change in the school communities served.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $1,500.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of year 2004 shall revert to the general fund.

DUPLICATION, RELATIONSHIP

SB 223 relates to: SB 196, Science & Math training for Middle Schools

SB 219, Public School Professional Development

HB 159, School Personnel Development Programs

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. Re:Learning has become a fixture for professional development in 47 school districts. Will this program be extended to other school districts?

2. Is the appropriation for this program, or comparable activities, included in any other appropriation requests?

3. If the program has been around for ten or more years, why hasn’t it been included in the regular appropriation act?

LRB/ls