Charter School Choice
Does the state have charter schools?
Are for-profit charter schools or management companies allowed?
"The governing body of a charter school shall not contract with a for-profit entity for the management of the charter school."
While New Mexico statutes specify that charters cannot contract with for-profit entities, we did not find mention of whether charter schools can be for-profit in statutes. However, a New Mexico policy expert stated that for-profit charters are not allowed.
22-8B-4(R): Charter schools' rights and responsibilities; operation.
Is there a cap on the number of charter schools?
"No more than 15 start-up schools may be established per year statewide. The number of charter school slots remaining in that year shall be transferred to succeeding years up to a maximum of seventy-five start-up schools in any five-year period."
Additionally, "[t]he department shall approve no more than nine charter school districts altogether, three small, three medium and three large districts as determined by the department."
22-8B-11.B: Charter schools; maximum number established.
22-8E-3.D: Charter school district application requirements; process.
Are charters required to provide transportation for any students?
However, a locally chartered school can work with the school district to provide transportation to eligible students for transportation.
22-8B-4.I: Charter schools' rights and responsibilities; operation.
Can charter schools employ uncertified teachers?
The provisions of the School Personnel Act (SPA) [Chapter 22, Article 10A NMSA 1978] shall apply to charter employees. From the SPA: Teachers and administrators must hold a valid license or certificate from the department authorizing the person.
Virtual School Choice
Do state statutes allow for full-time virtual schools?
We did not find laws regarding virtual schools in New Mexico statutes. Education Commission of the States states that New Mexico law does not allow for virtual charter schools. However, a New Mexico policy expert stated that full-time virtual schools are allowed.
Are virtual schools required to track attendance?
Do virtual schools have to comply with state teacher certification requirements?
Private School Choice
Does the state have voucher programs?
Does the state have educational expense tuition tax credits or deductions?
Can students use vouchers to attend religious schools?
Is there a cap on the number of students or private schools participating in voucher programs?
Are voucher students in private schools required to take any standardized tests?
Can private schools be removed from voucher programs based on performance?
Are private schools in voucher programs required to provide transportation?
Interdistrict School Choice
Does the state have interdistrict choice programs?
We did not find mention of interdistrict choice in New Mexico statute; however, there is a law that addresses enrollment priorities for public schools. A New Mexico policy expert stated that state statutes do not allow for interdistrict choice. However, Education Commission of the States 50-State Comparison states that New Mexico laws do allow for interdistrict choice.
22-1-4. Free public schools; exceptions; withdrawing and enrolling; open enrollment.
Education Commission of the States 50 State Comparison: Open Enrollment Policies