New Mexico lawmakers are continuing to respond to widespread disparities in public schools based on race, class, ability and more. There’s a proposal to address inequity by setting up a plan and a new state commission. But advocates say the bill isn’t exactly what students need in the now.
The measure would task a commission—appointed by political leaders—to develop a long-term plan to better prepare all New Mexico students for the future.
Charles Goodmacher is with the Transform Education New Mexico Coalition.
“We don’t need another commission to really understand a lot of the needs,” Goodmacher said. “We know a lot of the needs now.”
He said it’s more important for students to share a language and culture with their teachers.
Sponsored by Democratic Sen. Mimi Stewart, the measure comes as a response to days of testimony in a 2018 court case that New Mexico had failed to provide basic needs for success in the classroom — especially for Native American and students from families with lower incomes.
Over a dozen parents and educators would also be appointed to the state’s commission.
The bill is on the calendar in the legislative session that begins Tuesday, Jan. 21.