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PED summarizes three adopted administrative rules covering community schools, nurse licensure and bilingual endorsement
Summary
PED staff told the LESC that three administrative rules have been adopted and took effect in January–February 2026: community‑schools rule (NMAC 6.30.15), nurse licensure (NMAC 6.63.0.2) and bilingual endorsement (NMAC 6.64.0.1). Staff highlighted key changes, public comment responses and upcoming additional proposals.
Connor from the Public Education Department told the committee that three rule packages previously proposed and subject to public comment were adopted and are now effective.
On community schools (NMAC 6.30.15), PED said the adopted rule aligns framework language with national research (updating a four‑pillar model to six key practices), clarifies coordinator roles required as a condition of some implementation grant funding and streamlines coalition membership criteria. Connor noted the rule aligns grant language with Laws 2025, chapter 81 (Senate Bill 387).
PED also described a repeal‑and‑replace for school nurse licensure (NMAC 6.63.0.2). The adopted rule creates a tiered licensure framework (levels 1–3) but, in response to public comment, removes detailed, level‑specific competencies and requires alignment with the National Association of School Nurses’ national scope and standards. PED told the committee it will propose additional edits to reflect statutory changes from the 2026 legislative session (House Bill 34); public comment on that proposed language will run through June 3, 2026.
Finally, PED summarized the bilingual endorsement rule (NMAC 6.64.0.1), adopted Jan. 29 and effective Feb. 10, 2026. The rule reduced semester‑hour requirements for current licensed teachers seeking a bilingual endorsement from 24 to 12 semester hours, allows a portfolio pathway for competency demonstration, defines translanguaging for classroom practice, and strengthens the requirement to use tribal standards for Native American language and culture certification.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about how the new requirements will affect smaller districts and charter schools and whether design and grant‑eligibility conditions would leave some applicants without discretionary funds for activities. PED staff acknowledged those concerns and said they will continue to accept public input and provide technical assistance in the interim.
The committee did not take votes on rule adoptions (the rules are already adopted); staff asked whether members preferred questions after each rule or at the end; members chose to ask questions after the full report.
