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Senate committee approves $200,000 appropriation for school reengagement programs in four central counties
Summary
The committee approved Senate Bill 490 to appropriate $200,000 to Workforce Solutions for evidence‑based school reengagement programs in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance and Valencia counties; proponents said such programs raise graduation rates for at‑risk students.
A committee amendment designated the counties eligible for funding as Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance and Valencia. The sponsor said Senate Bill 490 "appropriates $200,000 for the general fund to Workforce Solutions department for evidence‑based school reengagement programs" that support students at high risk of dropping out.
Stan Rounds, speaking for school superintendents, voiced support and cited prior local programs that showed strong graduation results for participants. Witnesses described Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) and other reengagement models as examples of programs that operate at school sites or in partnership with community providers. The sponsor said reengagement programs have produced a 96 percent graduation rate for participants over the last decade in New Mexico.
Committee members asked about why the appropriation was placed with Workforce Solutions rather than the Public Education Department and whether the funding should be statewide rather than limited to four counties. The sponsor said the bill targets counties that lack adequate reengagement resources and indicated legislators could propose expansions in future sessions. The committee then voted and the chair announced a do‑pass recommendation on a 5–3 vote.
Ending: The bill funds targeted reengagement programs in four counties with a $200,000 recurring appropriation and moves forward after a 5–3 committee vote; members raised concerns about geographic limits and whether PED should administer such funding.
