Board seeks to resubmit special‑education stipend resolution to NMSBA for 2026

Board member Flores said she will resubmit a legislative resolution asking for stipends for special‑education staff and solicited board authority to adjust language before filing with the New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA). The motion passed.

Flores and other board members discussed past attempts and feedback from legislators that the previous draft was too narrowly targeted, and several suggested broader language (e.g., “across‑the‑board for special education”) to increase the chance of passage. Superintendent Dempsey advised the board to obtain the existing draft and proposed working with legislators to refine wording before the NMSBA fall conference. The board authorized Flores to revise and resubmit the resolution and to circulate revisions to Superintendent Dempsey and Secretary Rodriguez for review prior to submission to NMSBA.

Board members also discussed a separate district initiative to explore expanded programs for special‑education students beginning at earlier grade levels. Dempsey and his team offered to convene staff (academic services and special education) to develop pilot ideas at the district level before seeking state action. No state appropriation or commitment was made at the meeting; the board directed staff to draft language and return with proposed wording and supporting documentation for review before the September deadline referenced in discussion.