Board approves half‑credit financial literacy, expands elective choice under HB171

The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 15 approved changes to the district graduation requirements that add a 0.5 personal financial literacy credit and preserve 1.5 discretionary elective credits as allowed by House Bill 171 (2024).

Deputy Superintendent Antonio Gonzalez, who led the presentation to the board, said the changes “ensure compliance with the new law while supporting the work of the district in goal 3,” and recommended adding the half‑credit to give students “essential personal financial skills.” Associate Superintendent Mark Garcia described HB171 as a state law passed in 2024 “to modernize the graduation requirements for New Mexico students” and said the district’s advisory committee — which included teachers, students, parents and business representatives — favored preserving student choice while introducing financial literacy.

Why it matters: The board’s action responds to broad public comment and a district survey that found strong community support for financial literacy. Supporters at public forum included business and elected officials who told the board they view financial education as a way to improve post‑graduation outcomes and economic mobility. Board member Heather Benavides moved the measure; Board member Josefina Dominguez seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote; the board recorded no dissent.

What the change does: Under the approved plan, the district will add a 0.5‑credit course in personal financial literacy and keep 1.5 discretionary elective credits to preserve local flexibility. District staff said the fiscal and scheduling work begins immediately so counselors can register freshmen for the 2025‑26 year; the changes will affect the freshman cohort that enters high school in fall 2025 and are described as a multiyear implementation that will be refined during course catalog updates and school planning.

Implementation and next steps: District staff said schools will use instructional councils and an updated district course catalog to identify which electives to offer; principals will work with the district to open new electives where there is demand. Teachers on the advisory committee said the curriculum will align to state financial‑literacy standards and that existing social‑studies staff can be trained to teach the course. Staff told the board that the 0.5 financial literacy credit can be taught under several license types so a range of secondary teachers could deliver it.

Concerns and caveats: Board members and presenters discussed consequences for middle‑school scheduling. Because the district proposes shifting the existing required health credit into eighth grade for the transition, some middle‑school families and staff expressed concern about lost elective slots for current seventh‑graders; district leaders said they will seek creative scheduling solutions and exhaust options such as make‑up or after‑school offerings in the single “bridge” year. Board members also asked that supports for students with disabilities be preserved when students select electives.

What the board asked staff to do: Board members asked the administration to - provide clearer communications for families and counselors before registration begins Feb. 25, 2025; and - work with schools to identify how quickly new electives can be offered and how to support smaller schools and students who lack access to certain courses.

The board directed staff to return with implementation details and a communication plan; staff said they will continue curriculum development with site instructional councils, build course request catalogs for counselors, and work on transportation and partnership options as needed.

Ending: Board members framed the change as an opportunity to increase student choice and career‑connected learning, but emphasized it is the start of a multiyear rollout that will need ongoing adjustments at the school level.