NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A judge sided with dozens of New Mexico school districts against the state’s public education department over its new rule requiring 180 days of school. Many districts opposed the change, arguing it forced districts, especially in rural areas to meet five days a week instead of their already set four days. The New Mexico School Superintendents Association started this lawsuit last April gathering 55 school districts mainly in rural areas.
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Under the state’s public school code, the school year is supposed to contain at least 1,140 hours but there’s no requirement for the number of days. District court judge Dustin Hunter found that the department’s 180-day rule conflicts with that state code and doesn’t with the legislature’s intent to allow flexibility.
“We are certainly hoping this will settle the matter, however, if it goes to appeal, we will continue to present what we did in district court and continue to carry this forward because as we believe this is a right of public schools,” said Stan Rounds, Executive Director of New Mexico School Superintendents Association. He said local school districts should be able to make their own calendar choices.
School districts have argued that having fewer school days each week works better for many rural families and also saves on costs. Rounds said following Monday’s decision, superintendents are feeling a sense of relief. The New Mexico Public Education Department has 30 days to appeal the decision by the judge. KRQE News 13 reached out to the state’s public education department but have not heard back yet.