Applications Due COB May 31, 2019
February 22, 2019
The next NMSSA Business Meeting will be held on February 22, 2019, at the Hotel Eldorado in Santa Fe. This meeting will be held in conjunction with the NMSBA Conference. Agenda will be available soon...
NMCEL 2019 Scholarship
Applications Now Being Accepted
Apply TODAY!
Deadline for submission is February 22, 2019
A Vision to Transform Education in New Mexico
2019 Policy Recommendations for a Better Future
Presented by the New Mexico School Superintendents' Association
With gratitude to each superintendent who participated in the development of this platform.
Embassy Suites
Albuquerque
Seasons Greetings!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The New Mexico Legislature (54th Legislature) begins its deliberations at Noon on January 15, 2019 and ends at Noon on March 16,2019. This Session is the first one in almost 10 years that has significant opportunity to consider financing New Mexico Public Schools at a level that is needed to serve the needs of our students. A “new” House of Representatives will join an experienced Senate in proposing legislation that will affect our students for years to come. With a new Governor, and Secretary of Education, this proves to be an opportunity for us, as practitioners, to make our case for what is needed for our public school children.
So, I am asking that each of you become active in this process. I have spent much of November and December travelling around the state and meeting with you and your legislators to provide our “Policy Recommendations” and answer questions regarding them. I have encountered much support and some push back. It is imperative that we speak with one voice and stay focused on our priorities. As I reviewed with many of you at our last Superintendents Meeting on December 7, we expect to coordinate our efforts with you to have a presence in Santa Fe each day that there is discussion regarding Public Schools. A master calendar will provide you with an opportunity to assure your schedule is well used. As a superintendent, or other school leader, you are called on to take many leadership roles at this time of year. This year, we need to make our presence in Santa Fe a priority.
Greetings!
The focus of this past week seemed to be on the hearing's on the 48 bills that are part of the "Rocket Docket" legislative package. As indicated last week these are bills passed in both chambers last year by large majorities, but were vetoed by the Governor. These bills are being heard in one committee and then sent to the House or Senate floor for a vote.
Another key highlight was in the Senate Education Committee where the committee gave a DO PASS on Senate Bill 1. This bill provides a wide range of changes to public education including raises to the teacher salary tiers, increases the amount of money for at-risk student resources, extends funding sources for extending learning time, adds additional instructional days, professional development days and after school programs.
As indicated in a previous email, HB 95 (RHCA Bill) is NOT being heard in the House State Government, Election & Indian Affairs Committee on Monday, January 28, 2019. It is tentatively scheduled to be heard on Friday, Feb 1 or Saturday, Feb 2 in the House State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee. Please continue to call and urge Committee members to support HB 95. Don't let them forget our bill.
The number of bills introduced rose again this week. As of January 26, 2019, there have been 884 bills introduced.
Events for the Month of Feb 2019
One of my husband's high school football coaches once said that, "Success happens when opportunity and preparation collide." I can attest to that the educators of New Mexico are well prepared. I have watched in awe as educational leaders have traveled across the state to come together to create an educational plan that will positively support all NM students. With all our educational partners including our new governor-elect, Michelle Lujan-Grisham, we have the opportunity to make some positive changes to public education that will improve access to foundational programs for all kids! Success lies ahead...
Thank you for your continued commitment to our NM kids!
Best Wishes,
Maria L. Jaramillo, M.S. CCC-SLP
NMCEL President
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