ALBUQUERQUE, N.N. (AP) — Retirements of teachers and other public education employees in New Mexico spiked by 40% this year, and the pandemic is thought to be one of a number of possible causes for the spike. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the state Educational Retirement Board reports handling 1,269 applications for July 1 retirement this year, up from 906 the year before and the largest number in seven years. July 1 is the start of the state fiscal year which often coincides with teacher contracts.