This bill amends existing laws related to community schools in New Mexico, specifically adjusting the amount of community school implementation grants and renaming the existing community schools fund to honor Dr. Jeannie Oakes. The amendments to Section 22-32-4 include provisions for school districts to bear indirect costs associated with establishing community schools, the establishment of a competitive grant program for funding community school initiatives, and requirements for schools to utilize evidence-based evaluation systems and provide professional development aligned with their instructional programs. Additionally, it mandates that if a grantee implements community schools at three or more sites, a community schools director or manager must be employed to oversee the initiative.

The bill also creates the "Dr. Jeannie Oakes memorial community schools fund," which will consist of appropriations, gifts, grants, and donations, and will be administered by the department to support community school initiatives. The department is tasked with ensuring that the funds are used appropriately and not to offset previous reductions in program services. The provisions of this act will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and subsequent years.

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