The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education voted Oct. 14 to direct Superintendent Ruiz to compile a single document reflecting the board’s discussion and submit it as the district’s formal feedback on the New Mexico Public Education Department’s draft Martinez–Yazzie remedial plan.

The directive followed a presentation by Dr. Lozano summarizing a staff feedback session and statewide draft released Oct. 1. Dr. Lozano told the board the draft breaks proposed actions into a three-year phased plan and four “critical needs”: high-quality instruction; culturally and linguistically responsive educator preparation; social, behavioral and well‑being supports; and funding/accountability. She said yesterday’s LCPS staff session had about 30 participants and that the district also gathered family and community input.

Why it matters: The Martinez–Yazzie litigation found New Mexico’s funding and policies inadequate for several groups of students (Native American students, English learners, students from low‑income families and students with disabilities). The state’s remedial plan proposes systemwide changes and seeks public feedback before final submission to the court. Board members said they want to support ambitious statewide changes — particularly around transportation, counselor staffing and culturally responsive professional development — but stressed the plan’s success depends on funding and actionable timelines.

Board discussion focused on implementation capacity, funding sources and what the district can accomplish locally while the state pursues legislative or budgetary changes. Board members and staff noted areas where LCPS is already working — for example, teacher residencies and expanded counseling — and where state direction or funding would be necessary, such as transportation for after‑school programs and dedicated funding for school‑based mental health staff.

After discussion, Secretary Wofford moved and Mr. Frank seconded a motion directing the superintendent to prepare and submit a consolidated response reflecting the board’s input and the staff feedback Dr. Lozano had summarized. The motion passed 5‑0.

Dr. Lozano said the PED’s portal will remain open for individual comments as well, and she asked board members for any specific items they wanted added or excluded from the district’s letter. Board members requested clarifications be included about (1) the intent to disaggregate attendance and discipline data for the four Martinez–Yazzie groups and (2) clarifying language around long‑term substitutes in training recommendations. The board did not take a formal vote on every line of the draft; rather it authorized the superintendent to compile the board’s collective feedback and file it with PED before the state’s deadline.

The board’s action will be submitted to the PED and the public portal as part of the state’s comment process. Superintendent Ruiz said the district will also continue to advocate at the legislature for funding to implement components of the plan.