NMPED News:

SANTA FE — Public Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus unveiled a $3.8 billion budget recommendation that focuses on direct supports to increase student achievement, more time for learning, school leadership development and workforce retention.

The proposal for the upcoming legislative session centers on increasing student achievement outcomes, specifically proficiency and high school graduation rates, by funding stronger programs and policies on attendance, more student learning hours, educator recruitment, and teacher collaboration time.

“The Public Education Department remains single-minded in its mission to improve student achievement across the board in New Mexico,” Steinhaus said. “These investments are taking us to the next level, building upon what we know works and supporting new and innovative initiatives at New Mexico’s schools.”

Funding for enhanced extended learning time figures prominently in the budget — the agency proposal would provide state funding for increased instructional time. This initiative builds in flexibility for districts and charter schools to make decisions around the required additional time that are best for their students and families.

The budget proposal also includes robust funding for evidence-based initiatives and strategies that will improve student achievement, including supports for literacy, reading, math and intensive tutoring.

The budget proposes a four percent raise for public education staff, building on raises and salary increases enacted in 2022 that made New Mexico’s teachers the highest paid in the Southwest. The proposal also includes increased minimum salaries for principals to ensure New Mexico’s education leadership pay is regionally competitive, as well as funding for mentorship and enhanced professional learning for education leaders.

“We know that the school workforce, from cafeteria staff to teachers to bus drivers, is key to delivering the services students need to succeed, so all staff will receive a 4% raise to recognize the critical role they play in students’ lives,” Steinhaus said. “Effective school leadership, research shows, has a transformational effect on student outcomes.”

Topline investments include:

• $261.1 million for increased instructional time
• $56.4 million for hiring and training hard-to-fill positions, like school counselors
• $50 million for enhanced extended learning opportunities for high quality engaging time to close achievement gaps outside of the school day
• $109.3 million for 4% raises for all school positions, as well as $3.3 million to increase principal salaries
• $42.1 million for educational technology
• $33.1 million for increased supports for special education students
• $17 million for attendance intervention and dropout prevention
• $16.5 million for early literacy and reading support
• $15 million for career technical education and $60 million for career technical education infrastructure
• $6.5 million for student behavioral health supports
• $10 million for intensive tutoring
• $10 million for school safety infrastructure
• $6.5 million for math initiatives
• $16.9 million for educator recruitment efforts
• $17.6 million to fund teacher and principal residencies

The Department will continue to work with the governor’s office to finalize the executive budget recommendation that will be released in early January.