House Education Committee advances bill to let community-schools funds be disbursed in smaller amounts, renames fund for Jeanne Oakes

Senators and education advocates told the House Education Committee on Monday that Senate Bill 387 would give school districts more flexibility in how state community‑schools dollars are disbursed and would rename the fund to honor Dr. Jeanne Oakes.

The bill would remove a fixed $150,000 disbursement requirement from the statute governing the Community Schools Fund so the Public Education Department (PED) could make smaller awards when appropriations are limited, and it would rename the fund the "Dr. Jeanne Oakes Memorial Community Schools Fund." Supporters said both changes would help local districts better tailor funding to need.

"It adds up to $150,000 is the disbursement rate setting statute, and that's a hard figure... they have to choose winners and stick to that $150,000 amount," Senator Figueroa said, describing the change as giving PED and districts more flexibility. He also said the renaming honors Dr. Jeanne Oakes for her national and state work on the community‑schools initiative.

Witnesses representing school boards, counties, teachers and community‑school practitioners spoke in support. Lillian Aertis of the New Mexico School Board Association said community schools "address barriers holistically, and ... create an excellent learning environment for our students." Brian Garcia, community‑school development specialist for Albuquerque Public Schools, said the district has seen reductions in chronic absenteeism and improved family engagement where community‑school strategies are in place.

Deanna Creighton, director of the ABC Community School Partnership and deputy director for Community School Innovation and Strategic Partnerships in Bernalillo County, told the committee the bill's flexibility would allow resources to be "distributed fairly and effectively" to fit diverse local needs. John Dirich of the American Federation of Teachers, New Mexico, and Edward Webster of NEA New Mexico also voiced support, calling the renaming a fitting tribute to Oakes.

Representative Latta moved a "do pass" recommendation on SB 387; Representative Grundan seconded the motion. Committee members signaled no opposition and the chair announced the bill had a "do pass" recommendation. The transcript did not include a roll‑call vote tally.

The sponsors and witnesses emphasized the change is limited to how the Community Schools Fund distributes awards; they framed it as a technical and programmatic tweak to allow smaller grants when available funding is limited. Supporters repeatedly described the change as requested by PED and backed by the Coalition of Community Schools.

No members of the public or the committee spoke in opposition during the hearing, and the committee did not record any amendment or condition attached to the do‑pass motion.

The bill will proceed with the committee’s favorable recommendation to subsequent House floor or conference steps in the legislative process.