The oil and gas industry has made significant contributions to communities across New Mexico, with over $279 million in tax revenue directed to public schools in the fiscal year 2024. Beyond financial support, the industry's impact is also felt directly in classrooms.
Katie Jo Castaneda, a third-grade math teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School, highlights the benefits her school has received. As a native of Carlsbad and a mother raising her son there, she has witnessed firsthand how the industry influences the community. The opening of a STEM lab at Cottonwood Elementary is one such example. "Thanks to the oil and gas industry," Castaneda notes, "Cottonwood Elementary recently opened a STEM lab that allows students to build knowledge and set themselves up for success."
The resources provided by the oil and gas sector have offered opportunities that might not have been available otherwise. This support extends beyond financial contributions, enhancing educational experiences for both students and teachers.
