FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Angie Poss
505-720-5128
www.nmsenate.com
Day One: Skandera Confirmation
SANTA FE – Earlier this week Senate Rules Committee Chair Linda Lopez (D, Bernalillo, Dist. 11) announced a much anticipated confirmation hearing for two year in waiting Public Education Department Secretary, Hannah Skandera.
The sole purpose of the hearing today was public commentary, which led to close to two hours of participation from a diverse and polarized audience.
Supporters included several members of the Governor’s Cabinet as well as business leaders from around the state. They touted Skandera’s policy experience and engagement with school staff. Opposition came in the form of public school teachers, union employees and representatives, and concerned parents.
“What struck me (about today) was how strongly the business community supports her and teachers oppose her,” Committee member Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino (D, Bernalillo, Dist. 12) said. “She has been very polarizing in education reform. Instead of bringing these two sides together, they have been split.”
Opposition cited the state constitution and the fact that the Secretary of Education must be a “qualified and experienced educator.” One audience member brought up the lack of equity in appropriating school dollars to the Department rather than through the State Equalization Guarantee, otherwise known as “below the line” funding that takes dollars out of the classroom.
Committee member Senator Jacob Candelaria (D, Bernalillo, Dist. 26) said, “We had an open committee hearing that brought a lot of people to Santa Fe to share their views. I am concerned that classroom teachers and people that work in our classrooms have problems with the direction the Secretary Designate has taken public education in New Mexico. I look forward to bringing my questions tomorrow.”
Senator Ortiz y Pino added, “I am hoping that tomorrow we can start exploring her educational principles and values.”
The Committee will meet again Saturday at 9:00 a.m. in room 322 for further public comment as well as questions and debate from committee members. The Saturday meeting will allow those who were working during Friday’s committee to come to voice their support or opposition.
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