SANTA FE – The New Mexico Public Education Department has hired a new deputy secretary to head up the Identity, Equity and Transformation division.
Vickie Bannerman steps into the role Dec. 14. She currently serves as principal of Albuquerque Public School’s Volcano Vista High School, the state’s fifth largest high school. Previously, she was principal at Wilson Middle School in Albuquerque. She serves on the APS Principals’ Association executive board and as an Equity Advocate for APS.
At PED, Bannerman will guide the Identity, Equity and Transformation division and direct state policy on the effective implementation of the Charter School Division, Indian Education Division, Language and Culture Division and Special Education Division.
“I couldn’t be more honored and thankful to do this kind of purpose-driven work,” Bannerman said. “This speaks directly to my spirit.”
“We are thrilled to welcome her on board,” Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said. “As an educational and action-oriented leader, she will fulfill a critical mission of the department of ensuring that a quality education is provided to every child in New Mexico.”
In her new role, Bannerman will ensure that appropriate resources are allocated to implement and develop culturally and linguistically relevant and sustaining curricula and programs. She will also oversee implementation of solutions for the Martinez and Yazzie (Martinez/Yazzie) Consolidated Lawsuit, monitoring progress and coordinating activities and initiatives with other agencies, including the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department.
“I envision schools that are built on foundations of both equity and inclusion filled with diverse populations who see themselves represented in the fabric of the academic culture,” Bannerman said.
Bannerman, who is originally from North Carolina, has a doctorate in education from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Ariz., a master’s degree in supervision and administration from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C.
She succeeds Kara Bobroff, who resigned July 1.