This bill proposes significant changes to the structure and oversight of charter schools in New Mexico by transferring the Charter Schools Division from the Public Education Department to the newly established State Charter Schools Office under the Public Education Commission. The bill amends several sections of the New Mexico Statutes to reflect this transition, including the creation of the State Charter Schools Office, which will provide staff support and technical assistance for state-chartered charter schools. The commission will now oversee the activities of this office, which is tasked with ensuring compliance with the Public School Code and monitoring charter schools.

Key amendments include the deletion of the Charter Schools Division from the Public Education Department and the insertion of new language that establishes the State Charter Schools Office, which will be responsible for chartering authority and providing objective advice to the commission. Additionally, the bill outlines the commission's duties, including the oversight of the new office, cooperation with the department for data-sharing, and the development of a strategic plan for public education. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 9-24-4, 9-24-9, 22-2-2.2, 22-8B-2, 22-8B-13, 22-8B-17, 22-8B-17.1