New Mexico Secretary of Education Mariana Padilla spoke to the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce’s Education Bold Issue Group (BIG) on August 29, presenting her vision for advancing student success in the state. She highlighted ongoing cooperation between the Public Education Department, the Chamber, and NewMexicoKidsCan as central to improving educational outcomes.
Padilla emphasized career and technical education (CTE) as a major priority. She stated her commitment to developing more intentional career-connected programs at the secondary level, aiming to engage students who may be at risk of leaving the education system. The secretary acknowledged the Chamber’s role in helping create curriculum and diploma pathways that match workforce needs in New Mexico.
Padilla set a goal of increasing statewide high school senior graduation numbers by 2,400 students. According to her, meeting this target would bring New Mexico’s graduation rate up to par with the national average.
Literacy improvement was also a focus of Padilla’s remarks. She outlined plans for strengthening reading instruction by enhancing elementary teachers’ skills and implementing initiatives at scale across schools. In the upcoming legislative session, Padilla intends to introduce a literacy bill that would require schools to ensure reading proficiency among students and mandate structured literacy approaches from teachers. The initiative will also include high-impact tutoring programs for struggling readers.
Plans were also announced for a new literacy center in Albuquerque. This facility will provide additional support for students needing help with reading and serve as a training hub for educators. Alongside this effort, Padilla introduced plans for a STEM institute dedicated to mathematics, technology, engineering, and science instruction—providing both teacher training and supplemental student instruction in math.
Special education services are receiving renewed attention under Padilla’s leadership. She discussed legislative efforts aimed at improving resources and targeted support for special education students facing challenges within the current system.
Padilla noted progress made during her tenure in securing increased school funding through formula changes designed to strengthen New Mexico’s education system overall.
She stressed that achieving better outcomes requires collaboration among educators, employers, and community stakeholders: “We look forward to continuing to support these initiatives in the upcoming session.”
