HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 33

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

William "Bill" R. Rehm

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO CREATE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE NEED FOR DIVIDING THE DISTRICT INTO SMALLER DISTRICTS, INCLUDING THE ISSUES INHERENT IN SUCH DIVISIONS; REQUESTING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE TASK FORCE IN THE STUDY.

     WHEREAS, Albuquerque public schools is by far the largest school district in the state, and it is among the largest in the nation; and

     WHEREAS, there have been many discussions over the last several years about the need to divide Albuquerque public schools into two or more school districts; and

     WHEREAS, there are significant issues to be addressed when considering whether to change the Albuquerque public school district, and the board of education should begin a formalized process to consider those issues;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the board of education of Albuquerque public schools be requested to create a task force to study the need for dividing the school district into two or more smaller districts and the issues that must be addressed in such division; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include employees of the school district; parents of students who attend public school in the school district; and representatives of local governments, business interests and other representatives from the attendance areas of the high schools in the school district; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force consider and report on the following to the school district and the public education department:

          A. the boundaries of the proposed new school districts;

          B. population demographics, district growth patterns, ethnicity, economic levels, family income and student and adult educational achievement and attainment levels in the proposed school districts;

          C. the division of assets, liabilities and indebtedness, including real and personal property, of the existing school district;

          D. the bonded indebtedness and voter-approved mill levies of the existing school district;

          E. the ability of the proposed school districts to raise operational and capital funds;

          F. the effects of redistricting on transportation costs of the existing and proposed school districts; and

          G. other considerations that affect redistricting or the proposed school districts; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education department assist the school district and the task force as needed; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the school district and the task force furnish the department with periodic progress reports and a final report; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the school district apprise the residents of the school district of the availability of the progress and final reports, including any potential redistricting plans; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the board of education of Albuquerque public schools and the secretary of public education.

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