NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A New Mexico judge has granted a temporary restraining order preventing the state’s Public Education Department from enforcing a controversial rule requiring a minimum of 180 school days. The New Mexico School Superintendents Association is an organization consisting of 89 school district superintendents. About 55 of the state’s districts filed a lawsuit concerning the rule.
A district judge issued the temporary restraining order on Friday. The restraining order means school districts that currently use the four-day calendar can continue to do so. In last month’s lawsuit, superintendents say they worry the change will put a burden on families, especially in rural areas, and risk driving away staff. The districts argued the PED overstepped its legal authority and that decisions like the school year calendar are not one size fits all.
Next Monday, the district judge will hear objections to the order.
