THANKING THE MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION INITIATIVES AND ACCOUNTABILITY TASK FORCE FOR THEIR HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND EFFORTS IN DEVELOPING, DESIGNING AND FORGING A PATH TOWARD A FUTURE OF STUDENT SUCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENT FOR NEW MEXICO'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHEREAS, the sixty-four members of the education initiatives and accountability task force were asked to serve by the New Mexico legislative council and were charged with reviewing New Mexico's public education system, studying possible education reform measures and articulating goals for the desired future of New Mexico public schools; and

WHEREAS, over twelve thousand hours were logged by the diverse membership of the task force as they came together, heard testimony relating to all facets of education, worked in subcommittees, analyzed and evaluated specific topics and ultimately crafted recommendations for education reform; and

WHEREAS, the members of the task force selflessly sacrificed their time and devoted their energies over two interims, with one single purpose in mind: forging a path for New Mexico's public schools that would lead the state to its desired future of superior schools and personal and academic student success; and

WHEREAS, the members of the task force did forge a path for the academic success of New Mexico's students, and that path led to recommendations presented to the legislature of this state, and those recommendations culminated in reform legislation introduced in this legislature;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislature of New Mexico, along with the citizens of this state, stand grateful and appreciative of the tremendous work of the education initiatives and accountability task force and of the contributions of each individual task force member; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature thank co-chairmen Mr. I. B. Hoover and Mr. David Townsend for their leadership and character as they helped steer the task force's work as it progressed throughout two interims; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force be acknowledged and formally thanked for their tireless work and enormous contribution for the betterment of New Mexico's public schools; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the education initiatives and accountability task force.