Staff Report
The New Mexico Legislature passed several education reform proposals designed to secure funding for a professional licensure program in public education and increase minimum salaries for teachers statewide.
"For years, we have lagged behind our neighboring states in teacher salaries, and we're paying a price," Rep. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) said in a press release. "The pay increases in this bill will help us compete with other states for experienced teachers, will require high levels of teacher competency, and will address the severe teacher shortage."
House Bill 212, sponsored by Stewart, was approved by the House Education Committee Friday by a vote of 11-0. House Bill 3, the state education reform budget, sponsored by the committee Chairman Rick Miera, (D-Albuquerque), also passed the committee Tuesday by a unanimous vote.
Bill 212 contains several public school reform recommendations made by the Legislative Education Study Committee. It proposes the development of a professional licensure and salary for teachers and administrators throughout the state, and measuring the federally required "adequate yearly progress" of students by local standards rather than on a national, norm-referenced basis.
The bill also includes consensus items agreed to by the governor, legislators, school administrators and teacher organizations, including a six percent salary increase for all teachers and support personnel such as counselors, librarians and nurses.
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The measure also calls for $6 million to support a statewide minimum salary of $30,000 for all teachers and an additional $25 million to help districts pay for increasing insurance costs.
"This bill contains the tools we need to meet the demands of the 'No Child Left Behind Act,' and it will require the accountability of teachers, administrators, students and parents that New Mexicans have requested," Miera said.
Sen. Cynthia Nava said the reforms will have a significant impact on the quality of public education in New Mexico, adding that a good education system is key to economic development, crime reduction and many other aspects needed to improve the quality of life for New Mexicans.
"It has to be a priority for the legislature," Nava said. "These reforms will provide an educational system in New Mexico that will give every child the opportunity needed to succeed academically. They will have the chance to contribute to the rich cultural and social life of the state."
