A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT SCHOOL DISTRICTS USE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS TO MAINTAIN COMPUTERS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND COMPUTER NETWORKS.

     WHEREAS, computers, computer software, computer networks and other electronic information media have become an integral part of the business and culture of New Mexico's public schools; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico public schools use computer systems for a wide range of applications, including classroom instruction, business and data management, student projects, record keeping, e-libraries, communications and computerized instructional material; and

     WHEREAS, students, educators and administrative personnel must have reliable access to computers, computer networks and other electronic media on a regular basis; and

     WHEREAS, the installation, maintenance and operation of information technology is a constantly evolving field that requires specialized training and expertise; and

     WHEREAS, the responsibility of teachers and administrators is to use their professional training and expertise to effectively accomplish the education of students; and

     WHEREAS, the challenges facing teachers, school librarians, school administrators and other educators include assisting students to overcome personal, social and emotional barriers to success and staying current on research in their fields, as well as providing high quality instruction; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of students to free teachers and other educators from the responsibility for maintaining and troubleshooting school computer networks and other information technology by ensuring that appropriately trained professionals are utilized by school districts to assume those responsibilities;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that during the 2005 interim, the public education department be requested to study the feasability of including network administrators and other information technology professionals as a category of instructional support providers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education department provide a written report of its findings and recommendations to the legislative education study committee prior to the 2006 legislative session; and

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