The proposed bill aims to enhance enrollment accessibility in public schools by prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or residential address. It limits local school boards' ability to establish enrollment preferences and mandates that they determine the capacity of each public school by grade level. Schools are required to post the number of vacancies at least every twelve weeks and to enroll applicants on a first-come, first-served basis if capacity allows. Additionally, the bill stipulates that local school boards must report annual enrollment data to the Public Education Department, which will publish this information on its website.

Key amendments include the insertion of language that explicitly prohibits enrollment denial based on the aforementioned discriminatory factors and establishes a process for appealing enrollment denials to the secretary of the department. The bill also requires local school boards to report detailed enrollment data, including reasons for any denials, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the enrollment process. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a more equitable and efficient public school enrollment system in New Mexico.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-1-4