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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates Senate Bill 55, Relates to HB143

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HEC Amendment

The House Education Committee amendment adds the term multi-track to the original bill in order to allow multi-track year-round students to receive additional funds.

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $400.0 to SDE for the purpose of distributing funds to school districts that have adopted year-round schools as a means to alleviate overcrowding or overcome other capital constraints. Such programs must be approved by the State Board of Education.

Significant Issues

According to SDE, in the current fiscal year, the Albuquerque Public School district and the Gadsden Independent School district operate the only year-round schools in the state.

According to a study conducted by the Gadsden Independent School District, year-round school cots were $457.00 higher per student than the traditional school calender. SDE also cites an APS comparison of student performance data which indicates that students in year-round schools score better academically than students in traditional schools. It is believed that students enrolled in year-round schools do not need as much re-schooling as students in traditional school settings.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This bill appropriates $400.0 from the general fund to SDE for expenditure in fiscal year 2000 for distribution to school districts with approved year-round schools. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2000 shall revert to the general fund.

This appropriation would assist the Gadsden and Albuquerque public school districts with additional costs incurred as a result of operating year-round schools.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The State Department of Public Education would implement the provisions of the bill with existing staff.

DUPLICATION/RELATIONSHIP

This bill duplicates Senate Bill 55 and relates in part to House Bill 143.

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