SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Public education reforms that would raise teacher salaries, extend the school calendar and increase spending on students from low-income and minority families are headed toward a vote of the New Mexico state Senate.
The Senate Finance Committee endorsed the bipartisan bill on Thursday after nearly three hours of deliberations. A nearly identical bill in the House is still under committee review.
Lawmakers are confronting a court order to increase resources to school districts and widespread frustration with a troubled public education system.
Minimum salaries would increase roughly 11 percent to $40,000 for starting teachers and $60,000 for teachers with advanced credentials. About $120 million is set aside for a program that adds five weeks to the elementary school calendar.
A draft budget would increase education spending by over $480 million.
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