The public is invited to a forum examining how partisan politics are entangled in New Mexico schooling. Forum panelists will also discuss whether there should be limits to state funding of private education. The forum will take place at 6 pm, Thursday, April 24, at the Miller Library on the campus of Western New Mexico University (WNMU).

Politicized Schools: A Look at New Mexico's Educational Landscape belongs to a series of forums intended to air diverse viewpoints on crucial issues affecting our society. The forums are sponsored by the WNMU student government, MEChA and the Native American Club, as well as by the J. Cloyd Miller Library and the Grant County Democratic Party, This particular forum is being co-sponsored by the National Education Association, Silver City Consolidated School Teachers.

“Public education historically responded to economic, social, and political considerations, as well as to the guidance and work of professional educators,” says Lorna Ruebelmann, forum coordinator, “But the current level of partisan political intervention into educational policy deserves a fresh look, and we hope that the panel will provide a springboard for questions from the audience.”

Panel members will include Stephanie Ly, American Federation of Teachers chapter president; Cristobal Rodriguez, New Mexico State University professor of educational policy; Justin Wecks, president of the Grant County chapter of the National Education Association; New Mexico State Senator Howie Morales, a former teacher with a doctorate in education; and Margaret Flores-Begay, manager of the Sixth Judicial District Adult Drug Court and Family Court.

New Mexico Representative Rudy Martinez will moderate. Representing district 39, which includes the Mining District of Grant County, Martinez serves on the Legislative Finance Committee. The committee is a key decision point in financing New Mexico education. 

“The panel will share with us results from research on benefits of early childhood public education, especially for so-called at-risk kids, and why such education is not available for every 4-year old New Mexican,” says Ruebelmann.

“At the other end of the spectrum, what decisions guide our legislators in funding or refusing support for every eligible student, regardless of income, to attend a state college or university?”

A free potluck dinner will follow the forum to continue discussion with the panelists about New Mexico's educational landscape and what can be done to improve it.

For more information about the forum, call 505-717-4330.