Commentary: Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced a series of legislative proposals to keep more kids in school and on track to graduate. The Governor called on lawmakers to increase funding for dropout prevention coaches and school social workers to $5.7 million; provide $500,000 in funding for the dropout early warning program; and pass legislation that would prohibit habitually truant students from obtaining or keeping a driver’s license or permit.
“I firmly believe that every child can learn, regardless of their background, and I am committed to doing everything we can to help our kids succeed,” Governor Martinez said. “That means strengthening the support network that helps them stay in class and on track to graduate, and providing real consequences for those students who do not hold up their end of the bargain. New Mexico’s kids deserve nothing less.”
Today’s proposal would grow investment in Governor Martinez’s truancy prevention efforts. Earlier this year, the Governor secured $3.8 million to hire nearly 60 dropout coaches and social workers for schools across New Mexico to keep kids in school, reduce truancy, and help more students graduate.
The Governor also called on the legislature to provide $500,000 in funding for the dropout early warning program. The program monitors students’ academic, disciplinary, and attendance history throughout elementary, middle, and high school to see where a student may need special attention. The program raises red flags if a student has failed any classes during middle and high school. The data gathered keeps schools informed if students aren’t meeting certain graduation benchmarks, so they can intervene early. The program is already being piloted at 17 schools across New Mexico and will be available for all schools statewide next year.
Additionally, the Governor called on the legislature to pass a bill that would prohibit habitually truant students from obtaining or keeping a driver’s license or permit.
“Our kids deserve every shot at success in school,” said Hanna Skandera, Secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department. “These proposals would help keep more students in the classroom and put them on track for graduation, fulfilling our ultimate goal of helping all of our children reach their full potential.”