Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education is key to a brighter future for Las Cruces — our children, families and economy. That’s why I supported the creation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department — a dedicated agency that builds the capacity of parents as first teachers, improves pay and continuing education for childcare providers, and delivers free Pre-Kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds and supportive child care for most children.
On the Importance of Continuing Education
Making higher education work for tomorrow’s workforce is the smart way to grow the future. I have supported efforts to establish dual credit availability to enable high school students to attend and receive credits from local community colleges. I also proudly supported tuition-free college for many first-time and returning higher education seekers beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year.
On Teacher Support, Recruitment and Retention
I believe that raising teacher and school support staff pay to reflect their professionalism is extremely important to recruitment and retention. Plus it serves as a tangible reflection of the value they provide to our children, families, community and future. I am deeply committed to ensuring that these professionals have the tools and time it takes to prepare and collaborate for the success of all students. As your State Representative, I have supported historic pay raises for educators that have helped make us one of the most attractive States in the region for educators. I’m also proud to prioritize teaching over testing, and to have invested over $1 billion in New Mexico’s schools – because every child deserves a quality education, regardless of their zip code.
