PED NEWS RELEASE
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.