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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to HB 142 and SB55

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $400.0 to SDE for the purpose of distributing funds to school districts with multi-track year-round schools by multiplying the unit value by .05 of the student membership of a school on a multi-track year-round school year.

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.

In 1998-99, APS operates year-round calendars in eight of its schools, two of which are multi-track, and six are single track. The Gadsden Independent School District operates three year-round calendars in three schools, two of which are on multi-track calendars and one is on a single track calendar.

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 multi-track year-round schools. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2000 shall revert to the general fund.

The distribution to school districts would be based on multiplying the current unit value of $2,344.09 by .05 of each school's student membership. According to each districts's 40-day membership count, Albuquerque Public Schools would receive an additional $149.7 and Gadsden Independent School District would receive an additional $156.1. If the unit value increases in fiscal year 1999, the cost to fund this proposal would also increase.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

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

RELATIONSHIP

House Bill 143 is similar to SB55 and HB122. Both bills appropriate $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 and require that the State Board of Education approve such programs.

CTF/prr