Commentary: The Democratic Party of New Mexico voiced concern over news that Hanna Skandera, Governor Martinez's Public Education Department (PED) Secretary, is being considered for a post in the U.S. Department of Education by the Trump transition team.
"Skandera has a history of pushing policies that take valuable instruction time out of the classroom, excessively test, and have pushed many of New Mexico's educators out of state or into early retirement," said Debra Haaland, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. "Governor Martinez's appointment of Skandera was the wrong choice for New Mexico, and consideration of Skandera for a Trump administration post is wrong for the country."
Under the Martinez-appointed Skandera, New Mexico ranks dead last in education according to the Annie E. Casey Annual Kids Count Report, the state is facing a detrimental teacher shortage, and NM PED underutilized funding for special education. Skandera implemented high stakes testing that resulted in New Mexico's kids losing time in the classroom and many teachers leaving New Mexico to teach in other states or retiring early.
President-elect Donald Trump's Education Secretary pick is known for work on policies that would make it difficult for public schools to get the resources they need to provide quality education to all students.
Skandera: Wrong Choice for New Mexico, Wrong for the Country
NM Education Secretary Hanna Skandera