Sec. Romero

They say the first rule of being a good teacher is to set a good example. So it is with Secretary of Education Arsenio Romero. He barreled through withering criticism to enact a rule that mandates public school kids attend classes 180 days a year, a plan already in effect for ABQ and Santa Fe schools but that could eliminate the four day a week schedule in some rural areas, although PED is providing a variety of exemptions.

Romero's perseverance, while notable, was not his stand-out moment. That has been his repeated insistence on doing something few--if any--political leaders here do. He continues to cite the state's last in the nation standing in public school performance, laying down a marker for his department and the state to improve on that dismal ranking, saying:

We've had it with being the last and the worst performing state in the union. We know that this isn't reflective of who we are, and we're going to do everything we can to challenge us and change that.This is about doing what's right for kids, even if it's hard.

Unfortunately, our standing is reflective of who we are. Otherwise, Romero gets an A for his frankness. 

New Mexico ranks last or near last in other critical standings (child well-being, child poverty etc.) but the political class has for years shied away from that truth. When was the last time we heard a legislator take to the floor and cite what Romero is citing or any other category we lag in and declaring it must be reversed?

Few have wanted to assume that political risk but accepting and condemning that truth is essential for positive change.

Romero's insistence on reciting the truth awakened a status quo culture of teachers, parents, unions and legislators who rose up in full fury to defend the current indefensible public school culture--the one that has us last in the nation. 

MLG AND ROMERO  

Romero is MLG's fourth Secretary of Education in five years but at the risk of jinxing him, she seems to have finally found one she can stay in the same room with. She was steadfast in her support for the 180 days rule even vetoing a bill that would have prohibited the PED from doing so.

Why not? Isn't this the Governor that has been funding the public schools and teacher pay at record levels? If  anyone has the right for an ask from the educational complex, it is her. 

As for Romero he is going to have to reconcile himself to making new enemies and even friends unhappy. But you don't go from the worst to even mediocre without breaking some glass along the way.

Now that that the length of the school year is out of the way Romero and MLG can go after chronic absenteeism. Without kids attending school, having those extra school days will be for naught. Then there's the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit, an improved school curriculum and. . . well. . . let's not get ahead of ourselves. Just be happy for this 180 day a year moment. 

ON THE SOCIALS

The 180 day school rule had them talking on the socials. Here's Jerri Lily

New Mexico will be joining 29 states that currently have 180 days of school. All are ranked above us. We are dead last in education rankings. Status quo is not the solution. Additionally, New Mexico has laws on the books relating to chronic absenteeism that are not being enforced. 

Yes, school subjects need to be more compelling and relevant to students. We need to focus on the basics and college readiness, but also provide more offerings that appeal to students who are choosing a different path such as wood working, sewing, car mechanics as well as develop more apprentice partnerships with trades people. Offer credits for our students with part time jobs based upon employer feedback and training for successful employment.

 NERVOUS OVER NELLA?

Our state's usually reserved senior US senator was anything but at Thursday evening's State of the Union speech from President Biden. 

Favored for re-election to a third term this year but facing an unexpected name challenger in Nella Domenci, Heinrich maneuvered his way to the House aisle where the President walks down on his way to the podium and made sure to grab his hand for a quick shake. 

Network microphones picked up Heinrich telling Biden, "it's good to see you, Mr. President." Biden was looking at him but we did not hear any audible response.

Heinrich's relationship with the White House appears solid and that will help with fund-raising that he may need if Domenici, who is independently wealthy, decides to tap her own fortune in a big way or has success raising private money. 

Heinrich's pursuit of the president hasn't always been so ardent. There was one occasion when Biden came to ABQ where Heinrich failed to show up to greet him at the Sunport. (Yes, those darn Alligators have long--very long--memories. 

SOTU REACT

Heinrich on Biden:

Democrats have delivered monumental wins for working Americans. Under President Biden, we secured the largest expansion of health care for our nation’s veterans in generations. We created an American manufacturing boom by making historic investments in our workforce and in our infrastructure. And we've taken unprecedented strides toward lowering costs and accelerating a clean energy future. Meanwhile, Republicans were consumed by chaos, dysfunction, and extremism—bent on taking away freedoms, diminishing our democracy, and giving tax breaks out to their billionaire friends and ultrawealthy hedge fund executives.  

Domenici:

THE BOTTOM LINES

In a first draft Thursday we mistakenly had retiring ABQ Dem state Rep. Gail Chasey as chair of the House Judiciary Committee. She is the House Majority Leader.

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