Legislative & Community Relations Bureau
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Mexico Public Education Department

Public School Governance

• Are site councils still required and what are the specific requirements?
  
  Section 27 of HB 212 from the 2003 legislative session introduced a new section to the Public School Code establishing advisory school councils.  The councils are to be created at each public school to assist the principal with school-based decision-making and to involve parents in their children’s education.  Below is the text of the current statute, which is available by clicking http://www.conwaygreene.com/nmsu/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&2.0.
  
  22-5-16. Advisory school councils; creation; duties.  (2003)
  
  Statute text
  
  A.         Each public school shall create an advisory "school council" to assist the school principal with school-based decision-making and to involve parents in their children's education.   
  
  B.         A school council shall be created and its membership elected in accordance with local school board rule. School council membership shall reflect an equitable balance between school employees and parents and community members. At least one community member shall represent the business community, if such person is available. The school principal may serve as chairman. The school principal shall be an active member of the school council.   
  
  C.         The school council shall:   
  
  (1)        work with the school principal and give advice, consistent with state and school district rules and policies, on policies relating to instructional issues and curricula and on the public school's proposed and actual budgets;   
  
  (2)        develop creative ways to involve parents in the schools;   
  
  (3)        where appropriate, coordinate with any existing work force development boards or vocational education advisory councils to connect students and school academic programs to business resources and opportunities; and   
  
  (4)        serve as the champion for students in building community support for schools and encouraging greater community participation in the public schools.   
  
  History
  
    History: 1978 Comp., § 22-5-16, enacted by Laws 2003, ch. 153, § 27. 
  
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