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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 1/31/05

HB

SHORT TITLE NMSU Science, Math & Aerospace Academy

SB 97

ANALYST Woods

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$175.0

Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to SB43

Relates to HB418

Relates to the appropriation for New Mexico State University in the General Appropriations Act.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

New Mexico Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 97 – Making an Appropriation for the Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aero-

space Academy at New Mexico State University – appropriates $175,000 from the general fund

to the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University for expenditure in FY06 to continue the

Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy at New Mexico State University.

Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY06 shall revert to the gen-

eral fund.

Significant Issues

NMSU indicates that the Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA)

is a NASA sponsored organization focusing on elementary, middle and high schools in southern

New Mexico that primarily serve underrepresented students in the science, math, and engineer-

ing fields. The goals of SEMAA are to:

Senate Bill 97 -- Page 2

•

encourage normally underrepresented students in grades K-12 into the fields of science,

engineering, mathematics, aerospace, and technology (SEMAT);

•

engage students in inquiry-based learning, research, use of advanced technologies, peer

support groups, and mentoring relationships with professionals in the SEMAT fields;

•

facilitate the successful transition of students from high school to postsecondary pro-

grams in the SEMAT fields;

•

develop partnerships with parents; and

•

to provide opportunities for pre-service teachers to work with local schools and commu-

nities and to assist in-service teachers with implementing curriculum.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This request was not in the list of priority projects submitted by NMSU to CHE for FY06 review.

Accordingly, this request was not included in the CHE’s funding recommendation for FY06.

The appropriation of $175,000 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund.

Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY06 shall revert to the gen-

eral fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

NMSU would retain oversight of this program.

CONFLICT, DUPLICATION, COMPANIONSHIP, RELATIONSHIP

This bill relates to SB43 and HB418 both of which seek to appropriate $750,000 to create an

Aerospace Engineering Department at NMSU.

It also relates to the appropriation for NMSU in the General Appropriations Act.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

NMSU notes that SEMAA consists of a combination of school based curriculum enhancements,

university organized enrichment activities, and parent outreach. Each component is designed to

work seamlessly with the others as a comprehensive program to improve student achievement

and increase participation in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The major

components of the project are as follows:

•

Strengthen the K-12 math and science curriculum in southern New Mexico school

districts to align with state standards and build student interest in the SEMAT fields.

•

Provide academic enrichment and career awareness for K-12 students and develop

student interest and success in higher education SEMAT fields through Summer, Sat-

Senate Bill 97 -- Page 3

urday, and After School Aerospace Academies and College Experience programs.

•

Support student field trips that allow them to experience state of the art technology

and engineering and science wonders.

•

Engage parents in their children’s academic learning and assist with developing path-

ways for student participation in higher education.

BFW/rs:sb:yr