Breaking: NM public education secretary-designate to get confirmation hearing

More than two years after being named Gov. Susana Martinez’s public education secretary, Hanna Skandera will get a confirmation hearing in the state Senate.

The highly-anticipated confirmation hearing will be held Friday morning in the Senate Rules Committee, according to committee staff.

Some Democratic senators have questioned whether Skandera, who has no teaching experience, is constitutionally qualified to be education secretary.

However, Skandera, who said she just found out today about the hearing, told the Journal she stands read to defend her record.

“I look forward to talking about the reforms we’ve implemented in the state,” she said in a telephone interview.

Senate Democratic floor leader Michael Sanchez of Belen said the qualifications issue will likely be raised during Friday’s hearing.

“I think there will be some really serious questions asked,” Sanchez said.

Check back for more details as this story develops.