Indian Education News

Indian Education Division offers help for students!
The Indian Education Division at the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) is here to assist prospective and current students navigate their higher education path. Below are resources on key areas that prospective and current students need to consider such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Financial Aid, Institutional Scholarships, and more. If you’re a student and there is something more specific that you have a question about, please contact us using the chat box below. We are here to help!
Info for Parents with Special Needs
Upcoming Workshop Featuring Peter W.D. Wright, Esq Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 “New to Special Education? Basics to know Immediately” 10:00 am to 11:00 am MT
Impact Aid and New Mexico Public School Funding Challenges
The State of New Mexico made history in 1974 by creating the Operational Funding formula known as the State Equalization Guarantee (SEG). The new SEG was revolutionary in its intent to move away from reliance on local property taxes to fund operations in local schools. Unfortunately, the State did not pass an equalization funding formula for Public School Capital Outlay in 1976, as was originally planned. The lack of Capital Outlay equalization forced school districts to rely on local property taxes, issuance of general obligation bonds tied to property valuations, and direct legislative appropriations for capital outlay needs. Impact Aid districts, who receive Impact Aid payments to replace lost property taxes and lower bonding capacity, saw millions of dollars swept into the Operational Funding formula. From 1974 to 2002, Impact Aid Districts had little to no ability to replace or repair school facilities and utilized its operational funding to support capital outlay needs. From 2002 to the present, Impact Aid Districts have had to rely on operational funds and an adequacy system to replace or repair school facilities. This presentation will discuss Impact Aid, public school funding changes, funding challenges, and the consequences that these decisions have had on Districts like Gallup-McKinley County Schools.
More department news

Indian Education Committee

The Indian Education Committee works to develop educational programs designed to meet the specialized and unique educational needs of Indian children, and approves all programs and budgets funded by the Johnson-O'Malley Program (JOM). The committee consists of elected parents and guardians of Indian students who are enrolled in schools that are receiving funding under the JOM program.

Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation of Title 6 Indian Parent Committee

Indian Education Committee Members

If you would like to contact one of the following members, please call the office at (505) 884-6392 ext. 80038.

Click here for the Johnson O'Malley Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation

Lauren Stewart-Brunelle, Chair

Vacant - Vice Chair

Jacqueline Platero, Tohajiilee Parent Representative

Vacant, At-Large Parent Representative

Willinda Castillo, At-Large Parent Representative

Susanna Tenorio, Pueblo of Zuni Parent Representative

Mildred Chiquioto, APS Teacher/Counselor Representative

Vacant, High School Student Representative