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Committee clears technical fix to ensure CTE teachers receive level-3 salary increase
Summary
Senate Education approved SB343 to clarify that career and technical education teachers should receive the same level-3 salary increase intended by prior legislation. Supporters said the language removes district-level interpretation that denied raises.
The Senate Education Committee recommended a due-pass on Senate Bill 343, a technical amendment intended to ensure that the statutory salary schedule treats career and technical education (CTE) teachers consistently with the legislature’s original intent.
Sponsor testimony said that a previous increase for CTE teachers had been subject to differing interpretations by districts; one district (Las Cruces) had interpreted the language to deny a level-3 raise. The bill clarifies that CTE teachers are eligible for the level-3 salary increase and prevents district-level policy from producing contrary interpretations.
Supporters included Mike DiBrio of the LANL Foundation and CTE students who testified about the value of experienced teachers from industry. Witnesses told the committee that stronger pay for CTE instructors is a recruitment tool, particularly for rural districts that struggle to recruit teachers with industry experience.
The committee approved the bill by recorded voice; the clerk indicated a do-pass recommendation with 8 in favor and 1 excused.
