Bill > HB465

This bill establishes the "Win with Wellness" pilot project, a statewide initiative in New Mexico's public schools aimed at improving student health outcomes and preventing substance abuse through a four-lesson wellness curriculum for second and fifth graders. The project will involve developing original, engaging lessons that integrate reading, math, and science, with materials also provided for parents to encourage family involvement. A curriculum development leader, knowledgeable in health and elementary education, will oversee an ad hoc committee composed of staff from the public education department and the department of health to design and approve these lessons. The curriculum is scheduled for development and approval by October 2015, printing by November 2015, and classroom implementation 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 of education responsible for requesting future funding if the project proves successful. Additionally, $75,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the public education department for fiscal year 2016 to support this pilot project.