STATE OF NEW MEXICO
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - EDUCATION BUILDING
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501-2786

Telephone: (505) 827-6516 Fax: (505) 827-6696
MICHAEL J. DAVIS
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

September 15, 1997

Mr. Jordan Riak, Executive Director
PTAVE
P.O. Box 1033
Alamo, CA, 94507-7033

Dear Mr. Riak:

In response to your letter of August 13, 1997, please be advised that New Mexico shares your concerns regarding the need to continue to implement policies and processes to keep unfit persons out of the nation's classrooms.

New Mexico law permits the denial, suspension and revocation of professional educator licenses for "immorality, incompetency, or other good and just cause." New Mexico actively investigates all reported cases of inappropriate conduct on the part of licensed educators and proceeds against educator licenses accordingly. In addition, Senate Bill 106, passed during the New Mexico 1997 legislative session, requires that criminal background checks be performed on all new school employees and on all new applicants for educator licensure effective July 1, 1998.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 505-827-6581.

Sincerely
[signature]
Marilyn Scargall
Director
Professional Licensure

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Quality New Mexico Schools: A Mission for All New Mexicans