(Photo by Leah Romero for Source NM) https://bit.ly/4mkJ70Z
DEMING – Superintendent Wohlgemuth, alongside regional educators, representatives from the New Mexico Public Education Department, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, took center stage last evening in Silver City. The gathering, part of the state’s ongoing response to the landmark Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit, offered a vital platform for educational stakeholders to voice concerns about outcomes for at-risk youth.
The Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit, initiated in 2014, challenges New Mexico’s obligation to provide the state constitutional right to a sufficient and equitable public education—particularly for students who are Native American, economically disadvantaged, English learners, or have disabilities. In 2018, the court ruled that the state had fallen short of this mandate, citing dismal graduation rates, below-grade proficiency in math and reading, and disproportionately high rates of college remediation.
Despite increased spending in recent years, persistent educational disparities remain. Earlier this year, a judge ordered the Public Education Department to craft a comprehensive remedial plan to address ongoing inequities, involving collaboration with plaintiffs and input from an outside expert.
At yesterday’s Silver City meeting, hundreds of New Mexicans—including families, educators, and advocates—voiced strong opinions on the remedial plan in progress. Attendees emphasized three primary concerns: transparency in how the plan is developed, communication with communities and stakeholders, and preparation for meaningful implementation.