HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 51

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Jim Trujillo

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ENDORSE AND COORDINATE WITH THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS A FEDERAL, STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT-SCHOOL TEACHER SUBSTITUTE PILOT PROGRAM.

     WHEREAS, a chronic shortage of qualified substitute teachers exists in the public school system; and

     WHEREAS, it is difficult for public schools to attract qualified substitute teachers when the schools cannot provide high pay, job security or benefits to substitute teachers; and

     WHEREAS, the lack of substitute teachers frequently requires classes to be combined or to be taught by unqualified people; and

     WHEREAS, government employees and retired employees comprise a large pool of highly qualified potential substitute teachers; and

     WHEREAS, the national governor's association has endorsed public-private partnerships to foster a renewed national commitment to community service and volunteerism;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it encourage and request the public education department to study the potential for using state, federal, city and county public employees and retired employees as volunteer substitute teachers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education department develop and coordinate with the public schools a pilot program to utilize such volunteers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the public education department.

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