This bill amends existing laws related to community schools in New Mexico, specifically addressing the funding and implementation of community school initiatives. It introduces new provisions for grants, including a one-time planning grant of up to $50,000 for eligible public schools and annual implementation grants of up to $150,000 for three years. Additionally, it mandates that if a grantee implements the initiative at three or more public school sites, a community schools director or manager must be employed to oversee the program. The bill also allows the use of Title 1 funds for community school initiatives and establishes requirements for rigorous evaluation and professional development to support these initiatives.

Furthermore, the bill renames the existing community schools fund to the "Dr. Jeannie Oakes Memorial Community Schools Fund," which will be a nonreverting fund in the state treasury. This fund will consist of various financial contributions and will be administered by the department to support community school initiatives. The bill ensures that the funds are used specifically for the development and implementation of community schools and not to address previous reductions in program services. The provisions of this act will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-32-4, 22-32-6, 22-32-8
ED substitute: 22-32-4, 22-32-8
Final Version: 22-32-4, 22-32-8