SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5624

BYSenators Gaspard, Smitherman, Bauer, Bender, von Reichbauer and Garrett; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Increasing the ratio of students to teachers.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1987

Senate Staff:Don Bennett (786-7424)

AS OF FEBRUARY 24, 1987

BACKGROUND:

State basic education funds are allocated to school districts based on a ratio of staff to students recommended to the Legislature by the Governor and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Since the 1980-81 school year, that ratio has been set in statute at fifty certificated personnel to one thousand average annual full time equivalent students and one classified staff person to three certificated personnel.

To begin reducing class size, the Legislature appropriated funds for one additional certificated staff per one thousand average annual full time equivalent students in grades kindergarten through three for the 1986-87 school year.

SUMMARY:

Beginning in the 1987-88 school year, the certificated personnel staffing ratio is increased to fifty-two certificated staff for every one thousand average annual full time equivalent students in all grades kindergarten through twelve.  For 1988-89, the ratio is fifty-three certificated staff per thousand students.  For 1989-90, the ratio is fifty-four per thousand.  In the 1990-91 school year, the staff ratio is fifty-five certificated personnel per one thousand average annual full time equivalent students.

Classified personnel and non-employee related costs are provided based on the improved certificated staff ratios.

The vocational-secondary staff ratio is increased to sixty certificated personnel to one thousand average annual full time equivalent students enrolled in vocational programs in grades nine through twelve and maintained at that level as the overall certificated staffing ratio improves.  Beginning in the 1987-88 school year, the vocational-secondary staff ratio is increased from the current fifty-seven certificated staff to sixty certificated personnel per one thousand FTE vocational-secondary enrollment.

Enrollment determinations are based on the annual average number of full time equivalent and part time students enrolled on the fourth school day after the school year begins and on the first school day of each month.  In districts where the school year begins before September, the first month enrollment count is made on the fourth school day in September.

Fiscal Note:      requested