RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS; ENACTING A SECTION OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CODE; CREATING PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCILS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:

"PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCILS--CREATION--DUTIES--LOCAL BOARD DUTIES.--

A. Each local school board shall appoint a public school advisory council, members of which shall be selected from a list of nominees received from parent organizations, the local business community and other community organizations. Members of the advisory councils shall serve at the pleasure of the local school boards.

B. Each local school board shall consult and involve the advisory council in the planning and development of educational programs and activities that serve school children in the district. The advisory council shall make recommendations to the local school board on:

(1) issues of accountability;

(2) fiscal affairs of the school districts;

(3) drop-out programs and discipline policies;

(4) assessment of district performance on the required state testing;

(5) early childhood development issues;

(6) parental involvement; and

(7) other education issues that come before the board.

C. The local school board shall give written notice to the members of the advisory council of all of its board meetings.

D. The public school advisory council shall advise and assist the local school board in expanding parental participation and involvement in the decision-making process at the local school board level. Members of the advisory council shall regularly consult with the local school board on the effectiveness of educational programs offered by the district and make recommendations to enhance the benefits of the programming for the school children."