Public Education Commission's Race

Education commissioners make decisions that affect every child in New Mexico's public schools. Their choices determine whether schools have adequate funding, teachers are supported and valued, all students can succeed, and our next generation is prepared for the future

What does the Public Education Commission do?

The Public Education Commission (PEC) oversees New Mexico's public school system.

Five commissioners represent different regions of the state. They:

Set education policy – Establish rules and standards for all public schools
Approve the state education budget – Decide how billions in education funds are spent
License teachers and schools – Ensure educators are qualified and schools meet standards
Oversee the Public Education Department – Hold PED accountable for implementing policies
Address achievement gaps – Work to ensure all students succeed regardless of background

Key Issues the Next Commissioner Will Face

Funding Schools Fairly

New Mexicans are frustrated with an education system that leaves some communities behind. Commissioners will be tasked with:

Ensuring funding formulas support high-need schools
Directing resources to rural and underserved areas
Funding early childhood education programs
Supporting schools serving low-income families

Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Many schools struggle to hire and keep qualified teachers. Commissioners will be asked to address this by:

Supporting competitive teacher salaries
Funding professional development and training
Addressing teacher shortages in critical subjects
Creating pathways for diverse educators to enter the profession

Campaign Finance Transparency

New Mexicans worry about poor education leaving the next generation unprepared. Commissioners will be expected to:

Raise academic standards while supporting struggling students
Expand career and technical education
Improve graduation rates across all communities
Ensure students are ready for college or careers

Bilingual and Culturally Responsive Education

New Mexico's students speak many languages and come from diverse cultures. For commissioners,

the responsibilities include to:

Support bilingual education programs
Ensure curriculum reflects New Mexico's heritage
Train teachers in culturally responsive practices
Protect language rights for Indigenous and Hispanic students

School Safety and Support Services

Students need safe, supportive environments to learn. Commissioners are tasked with ensuring:

Funding for mental health services in schools
Addressing bullying and violence prevention
Supporting wraparound services for struggling families
Balancing safety with positive school climate

✅ Learn which PEC district you're in and who's running

✅ Ask candidates how they'll fund schools fairly

✅ Support commissioners who prioritize teacher support

✅ Vote in PEC elections – they're easy to overlook but critically important