Quarterly Newsletters 15/16 3rd Quarter | Page 13

13

We encourage the Legislature to consider the following requests for the immediate future and during the 2016 Legislative session:

Funding

oNew Mexico’s educational leaders request that of any new funding available for the 2016-17 school year, 50% be appropriated for K-12 public education.

oEducational Leaders request that all new money allocated to public education be placed “above the line."

oMoney placed below the line does not fund education for all children. Although funding is provided for some children, the effect further disequalizes the per pupil allocation in our schools.

oDistricts and school communities are held accountable for student performance and districts should be trusted to make the best decisions for their students.

oPlace a moratorium on any new schools.

oDistricts continue to see reductions based on the T & E factor.

oShould every child in New Mexico have access to technology in their schools and classrooms? If so, what is the true cost of such a goal? Initiatives like the Education Superhighway will support this goal.

The Teacher and Leader Shortage is a Reality—We must work together to recruit and retain Highly Qualified Teachers and Leaders to provide an excellent education to every child in New Mexico.

How can this be accomplished? Quality requires sufficient funding!

oSalary base for most teachers has been in place for over ten years. Other than minimal increases for beginning teachers, salaries have remained stagnant for many years.

oSalaries must be competitive with other professions. Entry level positions in other professions are more lucrative and are luring away many of our best and brightest candidates.

oSalaries must be competitive with neighboring states, otherwise, our teachers will simply cross state lines to earn more money.

oNovel strategies are necessary to recruit and retain the best people to become teachers and principals. Competitive salaries, quality mentor programs and appropriate classroom support and resources contribute to increased student achievement.

oEffective mentoring programs. Fund effective mentoring programs and appropriate professional development programs to provide support while new teachers are learning and gaining confidence in their ability to provide effective instruction.

Spring Budet Workshop

Save the Date

March 30, 31, & April 1, 2016

Hotel Albuquerque