Press Article: New Mexico Court Orders Education Reform Plan for At-Risk Students
SANTA FE, N.M. – In a pivotal ruling on Tuesday, Judge Matthew Wilson mandated the state of New Mexico to develop a remedial plan to enhance K-12 education for Native American students and those from low-income households. This decision follows a landmark 2018 ruling that revealed the state’s inadequate educational provisions, which have historically placed New Mexico at the bottom of national educational rankings.
The court’s order directs state officials to establish a comprehensive plan to rectify ongoing violations of at-risk students’ constitutional rights. Judge Wilson emphasized that this court-ordered plan will guide the legislative and executive branches, particularly in navigating complex budgetary decisions amid economic fluctuations.
New Mexico has faced challenges with low test scores and graduation rates, issues that predated the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers have responded by allocating substantial resources aimed at enhancing attendance, broadband access, staffing, and other educational needs, particularly fueled by revenue from oil and gas production. Since 2016, the state’s annual K-12 education funding has surged by 62%, totaling $4.2 billion for the 2024 fiscal year.
The Yazzie-Martinez case, initiated over a decade ago on behalf of students from predominantly Native American and Hispanic communities, has highlighted systemic failures within the state’s education system. Although the current administration, led by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, recognizes the need for improvement, it points to various initiatives introduced to support at-risk students.
Public Education Department spokesperson Janelle Garcia welcomed the ruling, stating it offers an opportunity to develop a plan that ensures quality education for all New Mexico students. However, the judge declined a proposal to place a legislative agency in charge of the plan, instead tasking the Public Education Department to collaborate with plaintiffs to engage external experts.
The anticipated five-year remediation could pave the way for resolving ongoing litigation, even as the governor recently vetoed legislation aimed at expanding Native American language and culture education.
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