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PED highlights coaching model as driver of school improvement; bureau reports decline in schools needing intervention
Summary
The Priority Schools Bureau told lawmakers targeted instructional and leadership coaching helped reduce the number of New Mexico schools identified for improvement from 249 to 61, and the bureau described program scale, funding, and practitioner experiences from districts like Lake Arthur and Clovis.
The committee’s Item 3 presentation focused on school improvement strategies, with the Public Education Department’s Priority Schools Bureau (PSB) and district practitioners describing a coaching-centered approach tied to measurable school gains.
PSB presenters said targeted coaching for teachers, principals and district leaders — pairing in-person convenings with ongoing monthly coaching cycles — has produced measurable improvements. The bureau reported a reduction in schools identified for required improvement from 249 in the 2022–23 cycle to 61 in the latest cohort, which presenters attributed to consistent coaching, aligned instructional systems, and focused leadership development.
PSB described programmatic supports and funding lines: presenters cited roughly $5 million for leadership development, $4 million for teacher professional learning, and $6 million for school improvement (mix of state and Title I funds). The bureau acknowledged demand exceeds current capacity and that some programs have wait lists.
District leaders who use PSB supports testified to their value. Alyssa Bagheria, superintendent of Lake Arthur Municipal Schools, said PSB’s model combines in-person learning with aligned coaching and ongoing implementation support, and credited those practices with improving instructional consistency and student outcomes in her district. Heather Summers, principal of Clovis High School, described how coaching strengthened observation and feedback cycles, improved PLC practices and supported increases in graduation and course completion rates.
Committee members raised accountability and equity questions: Representative Luhan asked for a school list and comparisons for the most rigorous intervention (MRI) category; the bureau said 24 schools remain in MRI and offered to provide detailed lists to the committee. Representative Vilar and others asked how coaching can withstand leader turnover; presenters pointed to recently enacted principal-preparation requirements, the LEAD program for new principals, and formalized PSB coaching structures aimed at continuity.
On equity, PSB and practitioners said program access is available to rural and tribal districts and that priority is given to schools in designation; supports include travel coordination and ensuring the agency invites the most-impacted schools first.
The bureau also confirmed multiple leadership supports, including SOAR for superintendents and summit coaching to scale coach capacity statewide. No formal votes were taken; members requested follow-up materials including the list of schools in MRI status and participant rosters for PSB programs.
What’s next: PSB will provide the committee with the requested lists and additional budget/program participation details to guide oversight and possible funding decisions.
