Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance
committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports
if they are used for other purposes.
Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are a vailable on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).
Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and
attachments may be obtained from the LFC 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 Trujillo
DATE TYPED 2-28-05
HB 512
SHORT TITLE Santa Fe Smaller Learning Communities Project
SB
ANALYST Segura
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring
or Non-Rec
Fund
Affected
FY05
FY06
FY05
FY06
$150.0
Recurring General Fund
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
Responses Received From
Public Education Department (PED)
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
House Bill 512 appropriates $15,000 to PED to continue support of the Smaller Learning Com-
munities (SLC) project at Santa Fe and Capital high schools.
The bill also mandates strategic planning for teachers and administrators to work with parents
and communities to develop academies and career pathways, visit successful models of smaller
learning communities and plan integrated lessons.
Significant Issues
According to PED, school size is an issue of growing interest and concern. Smaller learning
communities create environments in which it is easier for staff, faculty, students and parents to
know each other. Such environments can foster stronger interpersonal relationships. Closer per-
sonal relationships with teachers may reduce the apathy and alienation experienced by many
low-performing students, and consequently improves their learning.