This bill amends existing laws related to public school finance in New Mexico by establishing program units specifically for licensed school employees who hold bilingual endorsements and endorsements for teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL). The amendments include the addition of new program units for these endorsements in the calculation of total program costs, which will now include bilingual endorsement and ESOL endorsement as part of the itemized program units. The bill also specifies the calculation methods for determining the number of program units for licensed employees with these endorsements, ensuring that they are verified by the Public Education Department and that the employees receive a corresponding salary differential.

Additionally, the bill modifies the existing framework for calculating program units for licensed school employees certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, bilingual endorsements, and ESOL endorsements. The new provisions clarify the criteria for approval of these units, including the requirement for verification of the employees' endorsements and their employment in department-approved programs. This legislative change aims to enhance the support for bilingual education and ESOL programs in New Mexico's public schools, thereby improving educational outcomes for students in these areas.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-8-18, 22-8-23.4