HJR 6 STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Rep John Block

Actions: HPREF [2] HEC/HGEIC-HEC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 House Joint Resolution 6 (HJR 6) is a proposal to amend Article 12 of the Constitution of New Mexico by repealing and adding a new Section 6 that replaces the Public Education Commission with the State Board of Education. 

 House Joint Resolution 6 (HJR6) is a proposal to amend Article 12 of the Constitution of New Mexico to replace the Public Education Commission with the State Board of Education (Board). 

SECTION 1 repeals Section 6 and adds a new Section 6, as follows:

A. The Board and the "Public Education Department” (PED) are created. The Board shall determine public school policy and shall have control, management and direction, including financial direction, for all public schools pursuant to authority and powers provided by law. The board shall appoint a qualified, experienced educator to be known as the "Superintendent of Public Instruction" who, subject to the policies established by the board, shall direct the operations of the PED.

B. The Board shall be composed of ten members who shall be elected for staggered terms of four years. Board members shall be residents of the Board district from which they are elected. Change of residence of a board member to a place outside the district shall automatically terminate the term of that member. 

C. The governor shall fill vacancies on the Board by appointment of a resident from the district in which the vacancy occurs and with the consent of the senate until the next regular election for membership on the board.

D. After the adoption of this amendment, all members of the Board shall be elected at the 2025 regular local election for staggered terms beginning January 1, 2026. The staggered terms shall be determined by lot.

E. The Public Education Commission districts shall be the Board districts until redistricted after the 2030 federal census. The Public Education Commission shall continue its powers and duties until replaced by members of the Board on January 1, 2026. 

F. The secretary of public education shall serve as the superintendent of public instruction until replaced by the Board.

SECTION 2. The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.  

 House Joint Resolution 6 duplicates Senate Joint Resolution 9.