Commentary: Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten and AFT New Mexico President Stephanie Ly on the New Mexico court ruling that the state is failing to adequately fund its public schools:
AFT President Randi Weingarten says: “For too long, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and her administration have abandoned their responsibility to kids and public schools. This ruling confirms what parents and educators know—that New Mexico children are deprived of the essential resources, including qualified teachers and support staff, they need. This deprivation is especially severe for those at risk and in need of additional supports—English language learners, Native American students and those in poverty. The ruling also calls out the governor’s obsession with testing over teaching.
“In New Mexico, it would take $228 million to get public school funding to what it was before the Great Recession, and average teacher pay in the state is nearly 10 percent lower than what it was in 2009. We call on the state to use this ruling as a long-overdue opportunity to overhaul itsbroken school funding system to ensure all New Mexico children areafforded the public education they deserve and are entitled to. Voters will be going to the polls in November to elect leaders committed toinvesting in public education.”
AFT New Mexico President Stephanie Ly says: “Public educators see the effects from the prolonged reduction of funding to our schools and educational institutions on a daily basis. We hope the incoming administration and the Legislature will use this ruling as a wake-up call to act on behalf of our students, their families, educators and the well-being of public education in our state.“