The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) has recently proposed several rule changes for public schools in the state, including one that could implement a five-day instructional week. This proposal has ignited controversy, with officials such as State Rep. Gail Armstrong (R-New Mexico), expressing their opposition, arguing that it fails to consider the diverse needs of the state's school districts.
Armstrong, New Mexico State Representative at New Mexico House of Representatives, voiced her concerns stating, "While we share PED’s concerns about the state of education in New Mexico, we know that a one-size-fits all approach is wrong for our students and believe in working together to find alternatives so all students can reach their fullest potential."
According to a press release, Armstrong is co-sponsoring a bill with state Rep. Brian Baca (R-New Mexico) to counter these changes. The bill aims to empower local school boards and governing bodies of charter schools as the authorized entities to determine the length of the school year and the number of instructional days offered each week.
In a letter addressed to New Mexican Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Armstrong and Baca claimed that the PED is overstepping its authority by passing this law. They referenced House Bill 130 - a law supported by Lujan Grisham which gave authority to local school districts when deciding on instructional hours. The representatives also discussed potential impacts of this rule on various school districts - both rural and urban - suggesting it could lead to increased absenteeism, loss of teachers who travel long distances to teach in rural areas of New Mexico, and discontinuation of work-study programs, extracurricular activities, and other programs.
Baca summarized his and Armstrong's stance in a press release saying "Parents, teachers, administrators, and local school boards care about their communities and know what’s best for their students."
New Mexico Education reports that this proposed rule change involves amending House Bill 130, which initially included a provision for four-day school week districts. However, the Department of Education is proposing to remove this provision. It's estimated that approximately 20% of New Mexico school districts operate on a four-day school week. The PED cites low math and reading proficiency across the state as reasons for this rule change.
According to KOB, New Mexico previously measured a school week in hours, not days. Some school districts, particularly rural ones, adopted four-day school weeks with extended hours per school day. Some of these districts have maintained four-day school weeks since the 1980s.
Ballotpedia notes that Armstrong has served New Mexico’s 49th district since 2017. She also owned TLC Plumbing and currently serves as the president of Pro-Fab, Inc.
