SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The Latest on public education reforms in New Mexico (all times local):
3:40 p.m.
The New Mexico state Senate has endorsed sweeping public education reforms that respond to a court order to provide more resources to struggling schools across the state.
The Senate voted 41-0 Tuesday to approve a bill that would channel more money toward minority and low-income students. The House is considering a nearly identical bill.
The Senate-endorsed bill would increase minimum teacher salaries, allow school districts to expand teacher training and add five weeks to the school year at many elementary schools. Lawmakers are wrestling with a court order that found the state is failing to provide an adequate education to minority and low-income students.
Original provisions of the Senate bill were abandoned that would have eliminated school funding for students over the age 21.
A draft budget plan would increase state spending on public schools by about 16 percent next year amid a surge in state government income.
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2:20 p.m.
The New Mexico state Senate and House are debating bills that would raise teacher salaries, extend the school calendar and increase spending on students from low-income and minority families.
Deliberations on the sweeping reforms began Tuesday on the floors of the Democrat-led House and Senate. The similar proposals respond to a court order to boost resources to New Mexico’s troubled public education system.
Provisions of both bills would raise teacher salaries by as much as 12 percent and increase spending on students from low-income and minority families through adjustments to a complex school funding formula.
The state would offer $120 million in annual spending for elementary schools that chose to extend the school year by five weeks. Senate bill sponsor Mimi Stewart says new accountability measures are included.
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