WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after meeting with Education Secretary-designate Dr. Miguel Cardona:
“I spoke with President-elect Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Education about how the federal government can help New Mexico close the achievement gap. As a former educator and administrator, Dr. Cardona brings invaluable experience to address the challenges facing New Mexico schools -- from closing the digital divide to providing the resources and professional development for our teachers to be at their best.
“Dr. Cardona and I both share a vision of schools as centers of the community that provide wraparound services, including mental and behavioral health services, to improve student and family well-being. We agree on the importance of strengthening federal investments in New Mexico.
“I shared with Dr. Cardona that New Mexico is largely rural and that it’s urgent that we close the digital divide. I stressed the need for cooperation between the Department of Education and the Bureau of Indian Education to improve the quality of education for students as well as the importance of technical education, apprenticeships, and eliminating student loan debt.
“I know that Dr. Cardona will be a strong partner at the Department of Education, and I plan on working closely with him to bring new supports to New Mexico’s students, families, and educators, starting on Day One.”