State Senator Jim Townsend expressed his views on educational rights, stating, "Parents must have the right to seek out and direct their children to a school that educates their child effectively without penalty." He shared this perspective in a post on X on February 2.

"We can't wait any longer," said Townsend. "We must adopt and allow school choice in NM. Parents must have the right to seek out and direct their children to a school that educates their child effectively without penalty. Parents deserve the right and children must have opportunities."

Townsend referenced Representative Rebecca Dow’s statement from February 1 regarding New Mexico's ranking in the Nation’s Report Card, as determined by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The post quoted Albuquerque Public School Board President Danielle Gonzalez, who described the results as "sobering and disheartening" and said they "should be a wake-up call to everybody."

Screenshot of State Senator Jim Townsend's Feb. 2 post on X | X

The NAEP is a Congress-mandated assessment that measures student performance over time. In 2024, students took the test digitally, with results indicating a decline in both math and reading scores since 2019. According to Yahoo News, eighth-grade math scores dropped by 13 points, while fourth graders experienced a 7-point decrease in both math and reading scores.

The NAEP overview for Arizona’s fourth-grade students in mathematics shows an average score of 232 out of 500, slightly below the national average of 237. In reading, 53% of fourth graders scored at or above the basic level, 26% at or above proficiency, and 7% were advanced. For eighth-grade students, the average reading score was 254, below the national average of 257. Approximately 65% of eighth-graders were at or above basic comprehension levels, with 25% at or above proficiency and only 2% achieving advanced status.

Townsend has represented New Mexico’s 34th Senate District since 2025 after serving as a state representative for House District 54 from 2015 to 2024. With experience in the oil and gas industry, he has worked for companies including Southern Union Gas Company, Southern Union Co., Navajo Refining Company, and Holly Energy Partners. He resides with his wife in Artesia, New Mexico.