Section 13. Implementation

A. The secretary may employ or contract with consultants, contractors, or other individuals determined to be appropriate by the secretary in executing their legal authority over a suspended local school board, provided that any expenses or payments associated with the use of these groups or individuals shall be the responsibility of the local school board. B. While it shall not be the express purpose of a suspension under this rule to terminate, discharge, or replace licensed or unlicensed school district employees, the secretary shall possess and execute all the legal authority and responsibility of the suspended local school board subject to the following restrictions: (1) The retention of existing school district administrators and employees shall be considered. (2) Any termination or discharge of school district employees shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable sections of the School Personnel Act, Section 22-10A-1 et seq. NMSA 1978. (3) Any adverse personnel action of any licensed or unlicensed school district employee shall be limited to the authority set forth in the school district's policies of the suspended local school board. (4) The secretary shall not be obligated to honor any school district employment plans or letters of intent issued pursuant to Section 22-10A-14 NMSA 1978 that involve the hiring of an individual holding or seeking a certificate of waiver.