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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to SB50, SB162, SB197, and HB163

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $750.0 to SDE for the purpose of contracting with a private nonprofit organization to establish dropout prevention programs for at-risk students at Valley, Los Lunas, Rio Grande and West Mesa High Schools and Santa Fe Indian School in Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Valencia counties.

Significant Issues

According to SDE, the statewide dropout rate for 1998-99 was 7.0 percent, the lowest in fourteen years, yet the number of students who drop out of school still remains unacceptably high. This program would have the potential to further reduce the dropout rate in the schools named in this bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This bill appropriates $750.0 to SDE for expenditure in fiscal years 2000 and 2001. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 shall revert to the general fund. This bill also carries an emergency clause.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The State Department of Public Education would provide fiscal and oversight responsibilities for this program with existing staff.

RELATIONSHIP

Relates to SB50, SB162, SB197, and HB163. These bill all address the needs of at-risk students.

CTF/njw