Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Clovis Municipal Schools and all public school districts in New Mexico are facing a significant challenge from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
They are proposing a rule change that would mandate all school districts in the state adhere to a minimum of 180 student days per academic year, rather than to simply meet the 1,140 hour requirements stated in statute.
Currently, CMS enjoys a calendar with 170 student days — a schedule that has served our community well. Although not impactful for the Clovis district, the proposed changes would also remove the ability for our neighboring small schools to continue with a full time four-day per week schedule -- a model that has been in place for well over 40 years in many surrounding local districts.
The proposed change is not supported by research, which consistently shows that increased instructional time alone does not guarantee improved student outcomes. Rather, factors such as regular attendance, student engagement, smaller class sizes, rigorous learning opportunities, highly qualified teachers, high quality learning materials, and robust family and community support are proven contributors to academic success.
What’s more concerning is that the NMPED is attempting to enforce this rule by inserting language into the rule that does not currently exist in New Mexico Statute, and by doing so, will be exerting authority it does not have.
It’s a move that raises questions about the department’s power and the potential infringement on our local autonomy.
Furthermore, the proposed amendment from NMPED not only challenges the efficacy of our current school calendar but also threatens the very essence of local control. Our community has thrived on the ability to tailor our school calendar to the unique needs and values of CMS.
The proposed mandate strips away this essential element of local control, undermining our ability to make decisions that best serve our students, parents, and educators. We need to stand united in preserving the autonomy that has allowed CMS to flourish, ensuring that decisions about our school calendar remain in the hands of those who know our community best — us.
Together, we can protect the legacy of local control that defines the spirit of Clovis Municipal Schools.
Now, it’s our time to act! We need to pull together as a community — school employees, parents, and members of the local community — to voice our concerns and protect the unique calendar that has been instrumental in helping us make some of the recent gains we have achieved.
Please take a moment to review the proposed changes in the 6.10.5 NMAC (School Calendar Requirements)
webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/policy-innovation-measurement/rulemaking/rule-notification/
and share your thoughts by submitting written input to
Let’s make our voices heard and stand up for what we believe is right for our students, our schools, and our community. Together, we can make a difference.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
Renee Russ is superintendent of Clovis Municipal Schools. Contact her:
