Public Education Commissioners shape the foundation of every child's learning experience in New Mexico. From the small rural school to the urban district, their decisions reach every family, every neighborhood, and every community, and they shape the kind of education our next generation will receive.
Public Education Commissioner's
Race
What do Public Education Commissioners do?
The Public Education Commission (PEC) is a constitutionally established, elected body of 10 commissioners – one from each of New Mexico's 10 PEC districts – who serve staggered four-year terms with no term limits. Commissioners must be residents of the district they represent. They are the only statewide elected officials dedicated solely to public education.
The PEC has two core responsibilities:
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Advise the Secretary of Education – Develop a five-year strategic plan for New Mexico's public schools (updated at least every two years), gather input from families, educators, school boards, homeschool families, and community members, and report findings and policy recommendations to the Secretary of Education and the state Legislature.
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Authorize state charter schools – Decide which charter schools can open statewide (those that don't seek authorization through their local school board), and hold them accountable through contracts, performance reviews, and renewals.
Commissioners are expected to stay informed on education issues and participate in training offered by the Public Education Department.
Key Issues the Next Commissioner Will Face
Amplifying Local Voice In Statewide Decisions
New Mexico's families and communities deserve a seat at the table when state education decisions are made. Commissioners are responsible for ensuring public input shapes policy by:
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Gathering input from families, educators, school boards, and community members across their district
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Reporting community concerns directly to the Secretary of Education and the Legislature
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Making sure rural, Tribal, and historically underserved communities are heard
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Standing up for their district's priorities – not just following party lines
Charter School Authorization and Accountability
The PEC decides which charter schools can open statewide. Commissioners will be asked to:
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Review new charter applications with a focus on equity, quality, and student success
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Hold charter schools accountable through performance reviews and renewals
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Ensure state-authorized charters serve all students, including students with disabilities, English learners, students experiencing homelessness, and students from low-income families
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Balance innovation with strong oversight of public dollars
Strategic Planning for Public Schools
The Commission's five-year strategic plan sets the direction for New Mexico's public schools. Commissioners will shape statewide priorities by:
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Setting long-term goals for student success and well-being
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Aligning the plan with what families and educators say they need
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Updating the plan every two years to reflect what is and isn't working
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Pushing for equitable outcomes across race, language, income, and zip code
Honoring New Mexico's Cultures, Languages, and Communities
New Mexico's diversity is one of our greatest strengths – and our public schools should reflect that. Commissioners play a role in:
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Supporting bilingual and multicultural education programs
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Protecting language rights for Indigenous and Hispanic students
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Ensuring curriculum reflects New Mexico's heritage and history
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Advocating for culturally and linguistically responsive instruction
Strengthening Public Schools for Every Family
Strengthening Public Schools for Every Family
Every New Mexican family deserves a school that meets their child's needs. Commissioners influence how the system responds to:
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Teacher recruitment and retention, especially in rural and high-need areas
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Persistent achievement gaps tied to race, income, language, and geography
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Mental health, school safety, and wraparound supports for students and families
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Fair and adequate funding across districts
What You
Can Do
✅ Find out which PEC district you live in and who's running
✅ Show up to PEC meetings – public comment shapes their decisions
✅ Ask candidates whether they'll protect local voice, honor our cultures, and strengthen public schools
✅ Vote in PEC elections – they often appear at the bottom of the ballot, but commissioners shape every child's education in your district