Honorable Kent Grusendorf, Chair, House Committee on Public Education
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1277 by Casteel (Relating to limits on the size of prekindergarten classes in public schools.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would limit class enrollment in prekindergarten classes to no more than 22 students beginning with the 2005-06 school year. To meet this requirement, school districts would need to hire an estimated 300 to 375 additional teacher full-time equivalents. Increases in total payroll have implications for the state's required contribution to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS). Assuming a 6 percent contribution rate, additional state TRS contributions associated with the provisions of the bill are estimated between $720,000 and $900,000 annually.
Local Government Impact
It is estimated that between 200 and 375 additional teacher full-time equivalents would be required to meet the 22-student class size limit. Costs associated with salary, benefits, and an allowance for additional staffing to support or supervise the additional teachers are estimated between $13.5 million and $16.9 million annually. The cost of constructing new facilities to support the provisions of the bill are estimated between $30 million and $37.8 million in one-time costs.