The Rio Rancho Public School Board received a first reading Aug. 25 of proposed edits to policy 10‑22 that align district procedure with a New Mexico law requiring school employees to report known or suspected student use of alcohol or drugs. District presenters said the edits add more specific definitions, clarify reporting timelines and make explicit staff obligations.

The presenting staff read the policy language to the board: “New Mexico law requires that school employees who know or in good faith suspect any student of using or abusing alcohol or drugs shall report such use pursuant to procedures established by the local school boards.” The draft expands definitions to include “prohibited legal substances,” “illicit drugs” and “mood altering substances,” and distinguishes immediate on‑campus reporting from other instances of suspected off‑campus use.

Board members asked for clearer headings and timeline wording (immediate vs. within three school days) and recommended renaming the policy to reference the new terms. Superintendent V. Sue Cleveland stressed the legal importance, saying the change is statutory: “So again, it is state statute now, and everybody is required to adhere to the law.” The item is a first reading only; staff will revise language and return the policy for action at a future meeting.