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



SPONSOR: Knauer DATE TYPED: 01/31/99 HB 66
SHORT TITLE: Dropout Prevention Counselors SB
ANALYST: Woodlee/Fernandez

APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY99 FY2000 FY99 FY2000
$ 100.0 Recurring General Fund



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



State Department of Education



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



This bill appropriates $100.0 from the general fund for expenditure in fiscal year 2000 to fund positions for elementary level drop-out prevention counselors in the Santa Fe Public School District.



Significant Issues



According to the State Department of Education elementary school counselor is not a categorical position identified in the manual of procedures for the calculation of the training and experience index. However, local school districts have the option of hiring school counselors at the elementary level based on student and program needs, as determined by the school district.



In their Public School Support Package, the State Board of Education has requested the funding of a statewide program to provide counseling services to at-risk students.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



This bill reduces the general fund by $100.0 in fiscal year 2000. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2000 will revert to the general fund.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



The Agency indicates that the State Department of Education staff will have increased responsibilities, however, they will be able to absorb the responsibilities into their current capacity.



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