Dear Acequia Community,

We have an opportunity to shape the future of education for our youth in New Mexico. As part of landmark litigation by community leaders, the state is required to prepare a Martinez/Yazzie Action to meet the constitutional requirement of a uniform and sufficient education for all students, including a culturally relevant education.

For talking points to use at the meeting, scroll to the bottom of this email.

The NM Public Education Department, along with partners, has been hosting meetings for families, educators, and advocates to share their vision for a just and inclusive education system. Tomorrow, August 26, 2025 will be the final opportunity to give input.  There are three virtual sessions tomorrow:

• 4pm - 5pm
• 5pm - 6pm
• 6pm - 7pm 

These meetings are a chance for families, educators, and advocates to share their vision for a just and inclusive education system. Throughout these interactive sessions, you’ll have opportunities to learn more about the process and share your ideas.

Together, this group will explore questions like:

• How can we create learning environments that reflect students’ cultures and identities?
• What do students and teachers need to succeed?
• How can we ensure schools are funded fairly and resources are used wisely?
• What roles do schools, communities, and government play in supporting these students?

We believe that including opportunities to learn through the lens of our land-based culture and history, our acequias, and our land grants can contribute to vibrant and culturally relevant education.

Whether you're an educator, parent, student, advocate, or community member, your voice is essential. We’re are strongly urging community members like you—those with lived experience and local knowledge—to help build an education system that truly serves our youth.

For more information about how acequia and community leaders can be involved in these efforts, contact Monica Rodriguez at monica@lasacequias.org.

REGISTER below for tomorrow's virtual sessions.

The State of New Mexico and their partners at the LANL Foundation are also accepting input through a community survey. This survey will ask for input in the following categories: 

• Funding and Accountability
• High Quality, Culturally Responsive Educators
• Resources, Programs, Supports, and Instruction

See talking points below. Click to take the survey. 

How can we create learning environments that reflect students’ cultures and identities? 

• Curriculum development on acequias and land grants that provides place-based education that is engaging to students, meets educational standards, and provides tools for teachers and communities. 
• Teacher training on acequia and land grant curriculum implementation
• Community-based programs to partner with schools to support acequia and land grant place-based education

What do students and teachers need to succeed? 

• Teachers need more resources, training, and support.
• Students need an education that is engaging, interesting, and meaningful.
• Students should graduate with a planned transition into young adulthood with options for education, career, and meaningful opportunities to contribute to their respective communities.

How can we ensure schools are funded fairly and resources are used wisely?

• Provide technical assistance and support to schools on best practices for management of resources. 
• Increase baseline funding for schools that allows them to have sufficient resources for quality instruction and institutional support. Also provide incentives for innovation with additional funds for culturally relevant education while also providing guidance and benchmarks. 

What roles do schools, communities, and government play in supporting these students? 

• Create scholarships for college students from rural communities to obtain degrees in education to teach in their home communities.
• Create partnerships between higher education and local schools to create a pipeline of educators, administrators, and educational staff. 
• Support resources for community-based organizations and non-profits to support place based learning with funds for community members who can complement classroom instruction with field-based learning. 

Funding and Accountability

• Provide technical assistance and support to schools on best practices for management of resources. 
• Increase baseline funding for schools that allows them to have sufficient resources for quality instruction and institutional support. Also provide incentives for innovation with additional funds for culturally relevant education while also providing guidance and benchmarks.

High Quality, Culturally Responsive Educators

• Create scholarships for college students from rural communities to obtain degrees in education to teach in their home communities.
• Create partnerships between higher education and local schools to create a pipeline of educators, administrators, and educational staff.

Resources, Programs, Supports, and Instruction

• Curriculum development on acequias and land grants that provides place-based education that is engaging to students, meets educational standards, and provides tools for teachers and communities. 
• Teacher training on acequia and land grant curriculum implementation
• Community-based programs to partner with schools to support acequia and land grant place-based education
• Students need an education that is engaging, interesting, and meaningful.
• Students should graduate with a planned transition into young adulthood with options for education, career, and meaningful opportunities to contribute to their respective communities.

In solidarity,

The New Mexico Acequia Association

www.lasacequias.org

(505) 995-9644