The Legislative Education Study Committee reviewed rule adoptions reported by the Public Education Department (PED) on June 24 in Roswell: the Purple Star Public Schools program rule and an adopted amendment implementing the Indian Education Act’s funding formula.

PED staff told the committee the Purple Star Public Schools rule (NMAC 6.30.19) took effect June 24 with no substantive changes from the proposed version; the rule outlines application requirements, eligibility and responsibilities for schools seeking Purple Star designation, which recognizes efforts to support military-connected students. A PED official said the department will undertake outreach to districts and charters expected to apply but had not completed statewide notification at the time of the hearing.

The committee also reviewed an adopted amendment to NMAC 6.35 implementing the Indian Education Act; that rule, also effective June 24, retains language restored after public comment requiring the assistant secretary to consult the Indian Education Advisory Council on funding priorities and application processes. The adopted rule also implements an 80/20 allocation split described by PED staff: 80% of the allocation is to be distributed at fixed amounts to tribes, nations and pueblos, while 20% will be distributed based on student counts from the 80-day reporting period. PED staff further explained that the funding formula accounts for special-education status, with higher per-student allocations for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Testimony included per-student amounts cited by PED: roughly $108.94 per student as a base and approximately $217.88 for students with IEPs in the portion based on student counts.

One committee member said the 80/20 split seemed inequitable; PED staff and committee members noted the split had been a subject of public comment and that the restored consultation language was a response to concerns raised during the rulemaking process. Committee members asked how many schools might apply for Purple Star designation; department staff estimated 10–15 potential applicants and said they would provide a finalized list once outreach and applications moved forward.

No formal committee vote or action was taken; the committee heard the department’s reports and asked clarifying questions about implementation and outreach timelines.