New Mexico Register / Volume XXIX, Issue 5 / March 13, 2018

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

Public Hearing. The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) gives notice that it will conduct a public hearing in Mabry Hall located at the Jerry Apodaca Education Building, 300 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, on Monday, April 23, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (MDT). The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on the proposed new rule 6.30.13 NMAC, Early College High Schools. At the hearing, the PED will provide a verbal summary statement on record. Attendees who wish to provide public comment on record will be given three (3) minutes to make a statement concerning the proposed new rule. Written comment will also be accepted at the hearing.

Rule Change Information. The proposed new rule outlines the qualifications that high schools in New Mexico must meet in order to receive official designation as a department-approved Early College High School (ECHS). The qualifications defined in the proposed rule reflect best practices for operating an ECHS and will create uniformity across the state. The proposed rule would establish the processes and procedures for application, evaluation of compliance, and renewal. Schools choosing to apply for designation would be required to submit applications by July 1, 2018 and would receive notice of designation no later than August 1, 2018. Designations would be valid for two years beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.

The statutory authorizations include the following:

Section 9-24-8 NMSA 1978 gives the secretary the authority to adopt rule in order to carry out the duties of the department.

Section 22-2-1 NMSA 1978 gives the department the authority to adopt, promulgate, and enforce rules necessary to the department’s exercise of authority over the control, management, and direction of all public schools.

No technical information served as a basis for this proposed rule change.

Public Comment. Interested parties may provide comment on the proposed new rule at the public hearing or may submit written comments, or both, to Jamie Gonzales, Policy Division, New Mexico Public Education Department, Room 101, 300 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, or by electronic mail at rule.feedback@state.nm.us, or fax to (505) 827-6681. All written comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. (MDT) on Monday, April 23, 2018. The PED encourages the early submission of written comments. The public comment period is from March 13, 2018 to April 23, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. (MDT).

Copies of the proposed rule may be accessed through the New Mexico Public Education Department's website at http://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/policy-innovation-measurement/rule-notification/, or may be obtained from Jamie Gonzales at (505) 827-7889 during regular business hours.

Individuals with disabilities who require the above information in an alternative format, or who need any form of auxiliary aid to attend or participate in the public hearing are asked to contact Jamie Gonzales at (505) 827-7889 as soon as possible before the date set for the public hearing. The PED requires at least ten (10) calendar days advance notice to provide any special accommodations requested.