Bill > SB532

This bill establishes the "Win with Wellness" pilot project, a statewide initiative in New Mexico's public schools to explore the effectiveness of a wellness curriculum. The project will involve developing and implementing a four-lesson curriculum for second and fifth graders, designed to positively impact health outcomes, prevent drug and alcohol addiction, and save lives, while also providing resources for parents. A curriculum development leader with expertise in health and elementary education will be appointed by the department, who will then select an ad hoc committee from the department and the department of health to create original, engaging lessons that integrate reading, math, and science. These lessons, printed in color on durable postcard stock and laminated for easy sharing with families, will be distributed to all public elementary schools. The project has a timeline for curriculum development, approval by the department of health, printing, and distribution, with classroom implementation scheduled from January to May 2016. Following the pilot, teachers and principals will provide feedback to determine if the program should be expanded, continued, or terminated, with the department responsible for requesting future funding if the project is deemed successful. Additionally, $75,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the public education department for fiscal year 2016 to support this pilot project.