The proposed bill aims to enhance the qualifications and requirements for school administrators in New Mexico by establishing new licensing categories under the School Administrator Development Act. It introduces a provisional site administrator license for level two or three-A teachers, which can be renewed up to three times, and an initial site administrator license valid for three years. The bill also outlines a framework for licensure that requires school administrators to demonstrate increased competencies and undertake additional responsibilities as they advance through the licensing levels. Furthermore, it amends existing definitions and provisions related to school personnel, emphasizing ethical conduct and professional standards.

In addition to the new licenses, the bill creates a professional site administrator license, which is a five-year license for applicants with a post-baccalaureate degree or national board certification, completion of a department-approved preparation program, and at least one year of experience as a site administrator. It also establishes a provisional superintendent license, which is a one-year license renewable up to three times, contingent upon enrollment in a department-approved aspiring superintendent academy. The legislation includes amendments regarding reciprocity for out-of-state licensed teachers and administrators, a new evaluation system for school principals linked to student achievement, and defines the minimum annual salary for licensed site administrators. The effective date for the provisions is set for July 1, 2025, with certain sections repealed effective July 1, 2029.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-10A-3, 22-10A-12, 22-10A-14
Final Version: 22-10A-3, 22-10A-12, 22-10A-14