Reaction to Skandera Resignation News

Albuquerque – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly released the following statement: “The resignation of New Mexico Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera is welcome news for New Mexico’s educators."

Albuquerque – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly released the following statement:

“The resignation of New Mexico Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera is welcome news for New Mexico’s educators.

“While we recognize this is an opportunity to reset the course New Mexico’s public education has taken under Governor Martinez and Secretary Skandera, and we sincerely hope her replacement is willing to meaningfully include stakeholder input and work towards strengthening education as a profession, recognizing that a strong system of public education is the foundation of a successful society.

“On Governor Martinez and Secretary Skandera’s watch in New Mexico, our State slid from 37th to 49th in the nation in the quality of our public education, was subjected to relentless attacks on public schools in favor of charter and private schools, had to fight against voucher schemes raiding public school funding, fought mandatory flunking of our students based on standardized testing, was subjected to abusive levels of over-testing of our students, and faced the institution of the nation’s most punitive evaluation system which has contributed to historic shortages of educators and students studying to enter the field of education.

“Whomever is named as the new Secretary of Education in New Mexico, they will have to quickly use their position to advocate for New Mexico’s public schools to avoid millions of dollars of cuts under President Trump’s proposed budget, potentially further harming an already fragile and underfunded system in New Mexico. We are ready to work together with a new Secretary, and are calling on Governor Martinez to name a replacement with deep and meaningful education experience who is equally ready to work with educators, parents, communities, and other stakeholders in an honest and productive way, prioritizes New Mexico students and educators.”

Related story here.

 

More from Local News

  • Sheriff's Office Investigates Fatal Shooting

    Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.

  • Suspect Arrested in Farmington Murder Case

    Following an extensive investigation by Farmington Police Department detectives, an arrest warrant was issued for 40-year-old Matthew Sandoval, who is known to have a family connection to Madrid, who has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. On March 28, Sandoval was located by U.S. Marshals in the 400 block of W. Animas. Farmington Police officers responded and arrested Sandoval on the outstanding warrant.

  • Farmington Temple Opens this Summer

    Invited guests will tour the temple, the afternoon of July 14, and all day on July 15 and 16, 2025. A public open house will run from July 17 to August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.

  • Police: Farmington Child Abuse Suspect Killed in Home

    Video

    Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.

  • College Opens new Student Health Center

    The $2.2 million Student Health Center spans 2,652 square feet and is designed to provide accessible healthcare services on campus. The center features two exam rooms, three offices for medical and behavioral health professionals, restrooms, storage areas, and additional support spaces.

  • Farmington Couple Accused of Severe Child Abuse

    Reports indicated the child had been locked in a chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions. Detectives immediately responded, removed the child from the home, and gathered evidence corroborating the allegations.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 70°F | Low: 46°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 61°F | Low: 39°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 75°F | Low: 48°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 68°F | Low: 41°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 64°F | Low: 45°F