Rebecca Betzen

Education Fight attempts to privatize our schools. There is a well-funded effort underway to privatize our public schools through private school vouchers. I will fight these efforts aggressively so schools remain accountable to parents and taxpayers, not private interests. Wages / Job Benefits Recruit and retain the best educators. The best strategy to increase educational outcomes is to hire great teachers and principals. Across the country, fewer people are entering the education field. New Mexico has made great strides in increasing teacher pay. We can do more. I’ll advocate for more funding for teacher workforce development, create teacher residency programs, and increase mentorship for first-time teachers. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Protect our students. Our public schools must be safe havens, free from violence or intimidation. But today, our schools have seen shootings, ICE raids, and gang violence. We must do better. I will work with APD and social service groups to reduce violence in our schools and ensure ICE does not have access to our public schools. Education Listen to parents when their children are impacted. The sudden APS School Board decision to close Taft Middle School was a textbook case of how not to work with parents and the community. I will ensure the voices of parents are front and center in any discussion of merging or closing public schools that are so deeply embedded in our community.