Foundation seeks measures to drive equity and excellence in education
December 18, 2024
The LANL Foundation is excited to announce its policy and funding priorities for the upcoming 2025 regular legislative session, with a focus on key issues impacting education in Northern New Mexico and statewide. These priorities center on systemic, evidence-based improvements to public education that address the findings of the Martinez/Yazzie lawsuit, amplify diverse community voices and contribute to a strong, inclusive New Mexico economy.
“The LANL Foundation is excited to lean into the upcoming 60-day session to advocate for meaningful legislation and funding that has the potential to make systemic change for public education. The legislation and appropriations we’re supporting reflect diverse community voices and unabashedly uplift students, families, and educators across Northern New Mexico, ” said Gwen Perea Warniment, President & CEO.
Dr. Perea Warniment was named President and CEO in September following an extensive nationwide search. She returns to the LANL Foundation after serving as Director of the influential Legislative Education Study Committee, the staff organization responsible for advising public education policy statewide. Previously, she served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment at the New Mexico Public Education Department.
In an effort to expand its capacity to engage in advocacy and build partnerships year-round, the LANL Foundation recently established a Policy and Impact Division. Alvin Warren, a leader with extensive experience in policy and advocacy, now serves as Vice President of Policy and Impact. The division will work collaboratively with public, philanthropic, private, and nonprofit partners to expand education and career opportunities in the region.
“Our 2025 priorities support evidence-based programs and initiatives that align with our mission to build healthy communities and a stronger economy,” said Vice President Warren.
The LANL Foundation’s 2025 legislative priorities include the following areas of focus:
Early Childhood Education
Increase Investments in Prenatal to Five Programs: $10 million to expand home visiting for 2,400 children, $14.7 million to align Family, Infant, Toddler (FIT) program funding with current costs, and $3 million to build capacity in Tribal communities for early childhood education and care.
Fund and Establish Pilot Programs to Support Grandparents and Kin Raising Grandchildren: $3.8 million to support a pilot providing stipends and legal aid to 250 families in five districts.
K-12 Education
- Fund Effective High School Transformation and Reengagement Strategies: $15 million annually for three years for Innovation Zones and $30 million for work-based learning, career technical education and career technical student organizations.
- Strengthen Principal and Superintendent Preparation: Provide $5 million for school leader training, amend law, and establish an “Administrator Development Act,” creating a three-tiered licensure system for education leaders.
- Invest in Tribal Education: Increase stable funding for Tribal educational programs that address Martinez/Yazzie findings.
- Invest in Mathematics Education and Fund a Statewide STEM Innovation Network: $6 million to establish a STEM Network and $12 million for math education enhancements.
- Support the Educator Workforce: $20 million for teacher loan repayment and $20 million for the Educator Fellows Program. Continue to increase teacher salaries.
- Fund Programs to Improve Student Engagement: $20 million for out-of-school programs, tutoring, and enrichment activities.
Education Equity and Structural Reform
- Revise the State Equalization Guarantee: Amend funding formulas to increase support for at-risk students, English learners, and secondary education. $132 million requested.
- Amend the Anti-Donation Clause and Enact Enabling Legislation: Repeal the clause to facilitate public-nonprofit collaboration and clarify tribal eligibility, with new legislation to implement changes.
Over the past two legislative sessions, the LANL Foundation has successfully advocated for $641.2 million in appropriations and eight pieces of legislation that were signed into law.
With a strong focus on collaboration, the LANL Foundation looks forward to working alongside legislators, state agencies, and community partners to achieve meaningful change for New Mexico’s public education system and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.