This joint resolution proposes an amendment to Article 12 of the New Mexico Constitution, specifically by repealing Section 6 and replacing it with a new Section 6 that establishes a State School Board in place of the current Public Education Commission. The new State School Board will be responsible for setting public school policy, managing the distribution of school funds, and overseeing financial accounting for all public schools. Additionally, the board will appoint a qualified superintendent of public instruction to direct the operations of the Public Education Department, which will function under the board's policies and directives.
The resolution outlines the composition and election process for the State School Board, which will consist of ten elected members serving staggered four-year terms and five appointed members nominated by the governor with Senate consent. The elected members must reside in the districts from which they are elected, while the appointed members must meet specific qualifications, including political party representation and residency requirements. The amendment will be submitted to the public for approval or rejection in the next general election or a special election prior to that date. If adopted, the new board will begin its terms in January 2029, with the current Public Education Commission continuing its duties until then.