NEWS RELEASE: Public Education Department requests $81 million to strengthen literacy, fill teacher vacancies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: New Mexico Public Education Department
Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D., janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov , 505-709-5543
December 11, 2025
Public Education Department requests $81 million to strengthen literacy, fill teacher vacancies
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Education Department is requesting $81 million in new recurring investment to strengthen literacy programs, grow the educator workforce and expand student supports — priorities that take on heightened urgency as the federal government retreats from its historic role in public education.
The department’s fiscal year 2027 budget request reflects a 1.7 percent recurring increase to the General Fund while shifting many reform initiatives from one-time appropriations to sustained investments. The budget aligns with the agency's strategic plan and continued progress on the Martinez-Yazzie action plan.
“At a time when the federal government is stepping back from its commitment to public education, New Mexico is stepping up,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla . “This budget ensures our students have access to strong reading instruction, qualified teachers and the support they need to succeed — no matter what happens at the federal level.”
Literacy and academic achievement
The department proposes $62 million to strengthen statewide literacy and math outcomes, including $22 million for structured literacy implementation, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training, substitutes and stipends; $35 million for reading and math summer programs and tutoring, a 21 percent increase; and $5 million for Literacy Institute operations. More than 6,000 educators have completed LETRS training, demonstrating statewide momentum in the science of reading.
Educator recruitment and professional development
The request includes $37.3 million to grow and support New Mexico’s educator workforce: $16.5 million for teacher, administrator and school board professional development, a 9 percent increase, and $20.8 million for teacher pipeline programs. The initiative aims to reduce the 681 statewide teacher vacancies recorded in FY25.
Student well-being, nutrition and safety
The department continues its commitment to whole-child supports with $42.2 million for universal, high-quality school meals; $5.2 million for potential cost increases; and $3 million for school safety communications and for panic buttons and interoperable communications — a 113 percent increase. Mobile panic button systems are now active in more than 800 schools.
Career and technical education, STEAM and out-of-school learning
The request expands pathways to graduation and career readiness through $45 million for career and technical education and work-based learning, a 17 percent increase; $10 million for summer internships; $7.7 million for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), artificial intelligence and outdoor classrooms; and $14 million for out-of-school learning programs.
Special education supports
The department requests $4 million to strengthen inclusive services, including leadership training, behavioral supports and training for a statewide, streamlined Individualized Education Program system. More than 4,000 parents, educators and administrators participated in special education trainings across 92 offerings.
Statewide data systems and accountability
Investments include $16.3 million for standards-based assessments, a 14 percent increase and $8.5 million for the statewide student information system. These tools will support PED’s expanded accreditation process and financial transparency systems.
Agency operations
The department’s agency budget request of $29 million, a 10 percent increase, covers fixed costs, required benefit adjustments and three new positions.
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