Two Groundbreaking Education Bills Make Headlines in First Committee Approval – Source New Mexico

The Senate Education Committee approved a new bill on Friday that aims to ensure fresh university regents receive essential training shortly after their appointment.

Senate Bill 19, backed by Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces), was passed unanimously by the committee with an 8-0 vote. This bill mandates that newly appointed regents of universities and special schools, as well as community college governing board members, complete 10 hours of training within six months of starting their roles.

“University regents play a crucial role. They hire presidents, set tuition fees, and decide on infrastructure,” Steinborn explained. “Currently, there are no qualifications for these positions, and we must ensure our universities are led by well-trained individuals.”

He noted that this bill is modeled after Senate Bill 137, which mandates similar training for school board members during their first year.

Cedric Page, a professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos and a regent at the New Mexico Military Institute, supported the bill. He believes the training will deepen regents’ understanding of their leadership responsibilities.

This bill will next go to the Senate Rules Committee for further discussion.

In another development, the committee also passed Senate Bill 13 by a 9-0 vote, known as the State-Tribal Education Compact Schools Act. Many representatives from various Native pueblos spoke in favor of this bill, highlighting its significance.

This proposal allows Native tribes to form agreements with the Public Education Department to create cultural schools. These schools aim to teach young students in their Native languages, helping to preserve their heritage. Senator Benny Shendo (D-Jemez Pueblo), who sponsors the bill, emphasized its importance in maintaining Native languages in New Mexico.

“Language is more than words; it shapes identity, culture, and self-determination,” said Loretta Trujillo, director of Transform Education NM. She believes the bill empowers tribes to create educational models that meet the unique needs of their students.

However, some concerns were raised. Senator Anthony Thornton (R-Albuquerque) worried that creating separate schools could lead to divisions within the state’s education system and could hinder children’s integration into society.

In response, Senator Shendo shared his personal experience of growing up in Jemez, speaking only Jemez as a child, but still successfully learning English later.

Senate Bill 13 will now proceed to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration.