COMMENTARY: The National Education Association-New Mexico appreciates that both the governor and the Legislative Finance Committee propose increasing support for public education. After years of decreases, every additional dollar is vitally important for increasing student success in New Mexico.
Courtesy photo
Betty Patterson
We share with legislative leaders and the governor an understanding of the enormous economic, fiscal and political constraints that must be considered as they make the important decisions for our state budget. We know they share with us the hope that circumstances could provide every student with all the resources needed to help them achieve success.
Now, with the announcement of an estimated $93 million in new revenue, there is a new reality. The state’s reserves will be restored and many funds swept in the past will be refilled. This is a significant change in the circumstances, and so we propose the following:
• Allocate 50 percent for K-12 public schools and higher education. Doing so now, combined with the previously proposed budgets, still does not increase the current proportion of state funds allocated for education.
• Support House Bill 63 to restore to school districts the $50 million taken by the state to help with last year’s fiscal crises. Introduced by Republican Rep. Townsend, this has bipartisan support. Not restoring those balances leaves districts seriously constrained, with negative impacts on school programs that impact student success.
• Provide additional support for programs proven to make enormous strides in creating student success. The Legislative Finance Committee staff reports that students participating in both Pre-K and K3+ programs become equally prepared for success. Doing so erases the “achievement gaps.” We urge a bigger increase in funds to the K-3 plus fund, and the Public Pre-Kindergarten Fund, than proposed before the new money became available.
Other budget-related proposals include a roll-back of the governor’s so-called merit pay program based on the flawed teacher evaluation system (aka “Exemplary Teacher Awards”). The program does real harm to the collaboration so vitally important for educators to succeed with our students. The $7 million proposed for that unproven idea could provide about 0.3 percent raise to all education employees statewide.
A critically important means for addressing the severe teacher shortage in our state is to maintain the $16.6 million proposed in the LFC budget for “Increase Teacher Minimum Salaries.” Senate Majority Whip Mimi Stewart has introduced Senate Bill 119 for this purpose.
It is equally important that any across-the-board salary raises be applied equally to all school employees. The governor’s proposal would raise salaries for non-teachers at half the rate proposed for teachers. All school employees are vital for creating the environment for increased student success, and our lowest paid employees are often forced into multiple jobs or accepting public assistance to survive economically.
Betty Patterson is the president of the National Education Association-New Mexico. Agree with her opinion? Disagree? We welcome your views. Learn about submitting your own commentary here.