Bill > HB157

This bill creates a comprehensive new licensing framework for school administrators in New Mexico, establishing progressive career paths for site administrators (principals) and superintendents with multiple license levels and enhanced professional development requirements. The bill introduces three key license types for site administrators: a provisional site administrator license (one-year, renewable up to three times) for teachers transitioning to administration, an initial site administrator license (three-year license with potential one-year renewals) for those who have completed an approved preparation program, and a professional site administrator license (five-year license) for experienced administrators. Similarly, the bill creates a provisional superintendent license (one-year, renewable up to three times) and a full superintendent license (five-year license), both requiring completion of department-approved training programs and mentorship. The legislation aims to professionalize school administration by establishing clear advancement pathways, setting higher qualification standards, mandating ongoing professional development, and creating a more structured approach to administrator preparation. The bill also aligns administrator salaries with licensure levels and introduces a "responsibility factor" that adjusts compensation based on school level and administrative role. Notably, the bill provides a transition period, with current three-B license holders automatically granted professional site administrator and superintendent licenses by July 1, 2029, and sets an effective date of July 1, 2025, for implementing these new licensing provisions.

Education

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=157&year=25