The proposed bill seeks 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 participating in an approved induction and mentoring program, facilitating their transition into administrative roles. The bill outlines a framework for professional site administrator and superintendent licenses, which necessitate candidates to demonstrate increased competencies and undertake additional responsibilities as they advance through the licensure levels. Additionally, it emphasizes ethical conduct and professional standards among school employees, while aligning salary systems with the new licensure framework.

Moreover, the bill amends existing definitions and requirements related to school personnel, including a delayed repeal of current school administrator licenses. It creates a five-year professional site administrator license requiring 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. A provisional superintendent license is also established, allowing for a one-year license that can be renewed up to three times, contingent upon enrollment in a department-approved aspiring superintendent academy. The bill streamlines the licensure process for out-of-state candidates and mandates the department to adopt a uniform evaluation standard for school principals and assistant principals, linking evaluations to student achievement. The effective date for the new provisions is set for July 1, 2025.

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