Chapter 31: New Mexico

New Mexico’s public school system was established in 1891, after decades of debate among groups with differing religious and political beliefs.¹ The public school debate in New Mexico coincided with the transition from territory to statehood. Eventually in 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state to join the United States of America. The state’s constitution includes Article XII,² which outlines the role the state takes for public education:

While many changes have taken place over the course of the state’s history, New Mexico’s public system including, educators, advocates, policy makers, students, and communities, continue with the same dedication. The New Mexico Department of Education prides itself on providing the best possible education for all students. The “Vision and Mission”³ is: