SENATE MEMORIAL 40

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

John Arthur Smith

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING A STUDY OF STUDENTS IN NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS.

     WHEREAS, some New Mexico students attend nonpublic schools, such as religious schools and private schools; and

     WHEREAS, a number of private schools have closed of late or are on the brink of closure; and

      WHEREAS, the state does not, apparently, have information on the numbers of students in nonpublic schools, the current capacity of private schools to accommodate more students, the exact number of nonpublic schools at risk of closing or the makeup of students currently enrolled in nonpublic schools, even though an influx of nonpublic school students into public schools or from one nonpublic school to another could have an impact on the budgeting and planning processes;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO THAT the public education department be requested to investigate the status of nonpublic schools and their students during the 2010 interim and report its findings to the legislative education study committee by October 2010; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public education, to the chairs of the legislative education study committee and to the largest nonpublic schools in New Mexico.

- 2 -