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.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $340.0 to SDE for the purpose of contracting for services with a community-based organization representing business, education and state government to assist in the continuous improvement of New Mexico's education system by providing professional development.

Significant Issues

Previous appropriations have supported Strengthening Quality in Schools (SQS), an initiative established by the Governor's Business Executives for Education (GBEE) to provide the expertise needed to develop a world-class quality education system for New Mexico schools. SQS assists in improving a variety of aspects of education by applying Total Quality Management principles. The mission of SQS is "to assist New Mexico schools in assessing its system through the use of Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Education Criteria for Performance Excellence and improving education through quality principles, processes, and tools". The program is currently in Phase IV which includes 74 sites and twenty school districts.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This bill appropriates $340.0 from the general fund to SDE for expenditure in FY2000. Any unexpended or unencumbered balances remaining at the end of FY2000 shall revert to the general fund.

In FY98, the State Board of Education provided $220.5 for SQS program from the special projects appropriation.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The State Department of Education currently provides staff to ensure program and fiscal accountability. There are no substantive costs to the SDE or school districts associated with passage of this bill.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

According to SDE, this bill aligns with the State Board of Education's goal of preparing a qualified workforce. The SBE requested $250.0 to support the SQS program in FY2000.

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