NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A bill allowing local school boards and charter schools to decide their own number of instructional days has passed its first test clearing the House Education Committee on Monday morning. HB 65 comes after the New Mexico Public Education Department implemented a rule requiring a 180-day schedule if schools failed to meet reading proficiency and growth targets.
Small districts opposed the change, saying it forced them to do away with their four-day-a-week schedule even though they met the mandatory 1,140 instructional hours per year. A judge blocked the rule earlier this month, but some school officials want it codified into state statute in case that ruling gets appealed. “Districts know what’s best for their kids and their populations, and I think it’s almost arrogant, I would say, for people to tell them otherwise,” said Vice Chair Steven Carillo, New Mexico Public Education Department.
Districts on a four-day schedule say it saves money, improves attendance, and works better for many rural families.