[1] 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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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Nunez		DATE TYPED:	01/22/02		HB	48
SHORT TITLE:		Border Region Math & Science Education				SB
					ANALYST:		Baca

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

$400.0

Recurring

General Fund

(Parenthesis ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates SB 74

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Education (SDE)

New Mexico Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

SUMMARY

House Bill 48 appropriates $400.0 to the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU) for an initiative that partners with kindergarten through twelfth grade students in Southern New Mexico to significantly increase math and science achievement for all students located in rural counties bordering Mexico.

Significant Issues

SDE reports that funding provided will be used to “create an educational center to support the New Mexico Border Initiative for Science, Math and Technology Education,” The Center will concentrate on four major activities: build higher education and K-12 partnerships, assist school districts in the development of plans to improve instruction in science, math and technology, promote parental involvement and provide student mentoring. In addition, the center will serve as a coordinating point for other initiatives and programs concentrating on math and science education.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $400.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2003 shall revert to the general fund.

House Bill 48 – Page 2

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

There is no administrative impact on public schools or the SDE. NMSU will administer the program. NMSU will administer the program.

DUPLICATION

Senate Bill 74 is identical to House Bill 48.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The following is provided for information only. It is not intended as a commentary on the merits of the program\project:

This request for funding was reviewed and approved by NMSU’s Board of Regents, but is not recommended by the CHE.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. What evidence, such as test scores, do you have to justify the creation of the center?

2. Were public school personnel been involved in the development of this request?

3. From what grade levels will student mentors come, e.g., high school, college?

4. If funded, how long would it take to get the program “up and running”?

5. Is there any activity such as the one proposed currently taking place?

LB/njw:ar