SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 11

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Jacob R. Candelaria

A JOINT MEMORIAL

EXPRESSING A SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE VISION OF A HIGH-QUALITY PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's parents, children, educators and communities have come together to improve access to the high-quality public education that New Mexico's communities deserve; and

     WHEREAS, public education should be well-rounded and culturally relevant, with an emphasis on critical thinking and developmental skills; and

     WHEREAS, a well-rounded public education system must embrace and promote learning opportunities through art, music, science, reading, mathematics, bilingual education and electives; and

     WHEREAS, well-paid, highly qualified and experienced educators, who are focused on student-centered learning opportunities, are crucial to a successful public education system; and

     WHEREAS, children should arrive at school healthy, motivated and inspired and should have access to high-quality early education; and

     WHEREAS, children learn best in an environment that is compassionate and welcoming, and that promotes equity and collaboration among parents, educators and students; and

     WHEREAS, the goal of a high-quality public education system requires fully funded safe schools that provide community-based wraparound services, including mental health services, health care, meal programs that address the nutritional needs of students, technology, after-school programs and necessary school resources, such as libraries and supplies; and

     WHEREAS, the vision of a high-quality public education system encompasses well-maintained, inspiring classrooms and small class sizes to encourage and foster a strong student-educator relationship; and

     WHEREAS, the success of this vision must acknowledge poverty as a systemic issue and requires broad policy action and courageous leadership aimed at promoting fair employment with livable wages and increased access to vital services;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the community vision and the need for a high-quality, inclusive and equitable public education system in New Mexico be recognized; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature renew its commitment to New Mexico students, families, educators and communities to focus resources and craft policies in a manner that moves New Mexico toward the shared vision of a high-quality public education for all; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to keep the promise for New Mexico's future.

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