NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $340.0 to SDE for the purpose of funding eight technology support full-time support personnel to allow for the continued development of technology-supported instruction at alternative schools.

Significant Issues

It should be noted, funding for school district personnel including technology staff, is included in the calculation of the statewide program cost and distributed via the state equalization guarantee. This bill appropriates funds for school district personnel outside the public school funding formula and could raise potential equity issues.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This bill appropriates $340.0 from the general fund to SDE for expenditure in fiscal year 2000. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2000 shall revert.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

SDE indicates that if a significant number of special projects are approved by the legislature, then the department would require additional staff.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

According to SDE, since this bill does not identify the specific alternative schools to receive funding, language should be included to specify how the eight alternative schools are to be identified. The department suggests the possibility of establishing an RFP process in which alternative schools statewide may apply.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

According to SDE, funding for technology support positions in alternative schools is critical to ensure that the technology infrastructure supports teaching and learning in creative and dynamic ways.

CTF/njw