HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 75

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Danice Picraux

A JOINT MEMORIAL

DIRECTING THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RESIDENTIAL STATEWIDE MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL.

     WHEREAS, the education of the youth of New Mexico is vital to the well-being of its citizens, the growth of industry and a vigorous economy; and

     WHEREAS, development of high-technology skills in New Mexico is the key to attracting modern, high-technology industries with high-paying jobs; and

     WHEREAS, the education of students in mathematics and the sciences is fundamental to a work force that will attract modern industry; and

     WHEREAS, being a rural state, a majority of New Mexico citizens and students reside outside major metropolitan areas; and

     WHEREAS, other states have successfully invested in residential senior high schools for highly gifted and qualified students to benefit from a superior college preparatory education in mathematics and the sciences; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's gifted youth deserve the best opportunities for a superior college preparatory education in mathematics and the sciences, regardless of where they live;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative education study committee staff be directed to evaluate the benefits, costs, funding and organizational issues of establishing within the state a residential, college preparatory mathematics and science senior high school designed for junior and senior students who show particular gifts or aptitudes for mathematics and science; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such a school be limited in enrollment to one hundred twenty-five to two hundred students, have enrollment based upon a competitive, highly selective application process and be free of cost to enrolled students from all geographic area of the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the evaluation by legislative education study committee look to the successes of other states in establishing such a program, especially Oklahoma, which is a state similarly situated in regard to a large rural population and broad geography; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that legislative education study committee report its findings to the house and senate committees responsible for education matters no later than November 2004; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the legislative education study committee and the governor.

- 3 -