2006 New Mexico Statutes - Section 22-10A-2 — Definitions.

22-10A-2. Definitions.

As used in the School Personnel Act [ 22-10A-1 NMSA 1978]:   

A.     "discharge" means the act of severing the employment relationship with a certified school employee prior to the expiration of the current employment contract;   

B.     "state agency" means any state institution or state agency providing an educational program requiring the employment of certified school instructors;   

C.     "sabbatical leave" means leave of absence with pay as set by the local school board or governing authority of a state agency during all or part of a regular school term for purposes of study or travel related to the staff member's duties and of direct benefit to the instructional program;   

D.     "terminate" means, in the case of a certified school employee, the act of not reemploying an employee for the ensuing school year and, in the case of a non-certified school employee, the act of severing the employment relationship with the employee;   

E.     "working day" means every calendar day, excluding Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday; and   

F.     "just cause" means a reason that is rationally related to an employee's competence or turpitude or the proper performance of his duties and that is not in violation of the employee's civil or constitutional rights.