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.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

*The appropriation may be expended in fiscal year 2000 and subsequent fiscal years.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Relates to SB 40

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC files

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

The bill enacts the "Comprehensive School Reform Act," creates the "Comprehensive School Reform Fund" in the state treasury, directs that the SDE develop and administer a comprehensive school reform initiative to provide grants to schools deemed most in need of improvement as defined in a formula to be developed by SDE and adopted by the SBE, and directs that SDE distribute the appropriation pursuant to provisions of the act. The bill provides that model programs be developed utilizing innovative strategies and proven instructional methodologies.

According to the analysis prepared by SDE, the criteria in the bill are the same as those in the federal Comprehensive School Reform Act.

The bill contains an emergency clause.

Significant Issues

The bill provides financial support for public schools identified as most in need of improvement along with a process that must be followed to receive grants for the development of "model" programs. According to the SDE analysis, these funds could be used to supplement the $1,050.0 now flowing to 21 school districts in $50.0 awards. In addition to improving education in one school, the idea of model programs suggests successful model programs could be exported to other schools with personnel from the successful capable of providing technical assistance as requested.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Senate Bill 286 creates a new Comprehensive School Reform Fund. The bill appropriates $2,500.0 from the general fund to the new fund for expenditure in fiscal year 2000 and subsequent fiscal years. Any balance remaining at the end of any fiscal year shall not revert. The new fund can also receive revenue from federal money, gifts or benefits.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The bill allows SDE to use up to 3% of the appropriation to administer the program. SDE staff believe the amount projected, $75.0, to be sufficient to carry out the assigned responsibilities, primarily because the agency is currently implementing a similar federally funded program.

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