NEWS RELEASE: Senate unanimously confirms Mariana D. Padilla as secretary of Public Education Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
New Mexico Public Education Department
Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D., janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov , 505-709-5543
March 5, 2025
Senate unanimously confirms Mariana D. Padilla as secretary of Public Education Department
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate has unanimously confirmed Mariana D. Padilla as the cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) with a vote of 40-0.
“Mariana Padilla is an outstanding champion for public education in New Mexico,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Her deep understanding of our state’s unique educational landscape and her work with the Children’s Cabinet will enable her to make meaningful change at PED for the benefit of our entire state.”
The governor appointed Padilla, a former elementary school teacher, as secretary designate in September 2024.
"Mariana Padilla is laser-focused on student improvement and has already implemented initiatives to improve systems and processes at the Public Education Department in her short time as secretary designate," said Senate President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart. "Beyond policy and leadership, Mariana understands education from a personal perspective as well—as a parent of school-aged children who wants the very best learning experience, educational and career outcomes for all children of this state. She has been deeply involved in the design and implementation of all cradle-to-career initiatives and has been a strong partner with the Legislature. It was an honor to support her confirmation, and I look forward to continuing our work together."
Padilla brings extensive experience in child and family advocacy, education policy and government leadership. Prior to her appointment as PED secretary, she served as director of the Children’s Cabinet under Lujan Grisham, focusing on early childhood education, student well-being and cross-agency collaboration to improve outcomes for children and families across New Mexico.
“I am deeply honored to serve as New Mexico’s secretary of public education,” said Padilla . “Education is the foundation of opportunity, and I am committed to working alongside our educators, students and families to ensure every child in our state receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in school and beyond.”
As secretary, Padilla has prioritized strengthening educational workforce development, expanding student support services, improving school attendance, and advancing cultural and linguistically responsive education practices. She will continue working closely with school districts, tribal leaders, educators and community organizations to implement policies that foster student achievement and well-being.
The New Mexico Public Education Department oversees more than 800 public schools and charters, serving approximately 311,000 students statewide. Under Sec. Padilla’s leadership, the department remains focused on addressing achievement gaps, increasing graduation rates and enhancing access to high-quality educational opportunities for all students.
Please see the attached photo from today's confirmation hearing.
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The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities and families to ensure that all students are healthy, secure in their identity and holistically prepared for college, career and life. Currently, the PED serves about 320,000 students in 189 districts and charter schools. Find an abundance of resources for administrators, educators, families and students at New Mexico Public Education Department (state.nm.us) or follow the PED on Facebook and Instagram .
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