Bill > HJM2

This Joint Memorial expresses the New Mexico Legislature's strong support for local control in public education, a principle that has historically guided the state's school system and is reflected in how school districts are funded and managed by locally elected school boards. Recognizing that this principle may have been diminished over time due to legislative changes and administrative shifts, the Legislature is requesting the Legislative Education Study Committee to form a task force. This task force, composed of legislative members and representatives from key educational organizations like the Public Education Department, the New Mexico School Boards Association, and the New Mexico School Superintendents' Association, will examine existing laws and regulations to identify any that hinder local school boards' ability to manage their districts or address specific local needs. The task force is then required to provide recommendations by December 1, 2022, for changes to laws, rules, and procedures that will help restore and strengthen local control and increase school districts' flexibility in responding to their communities.