Skandera hearing may still be held

SANTA FE – Time is running out, but the key committee chairwoman said Thursday she was optimistic that a vote on the confirmation of Education Secretary-designate Hanna Skandera will happen before the Legislature adjourns Saturday.

Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque, chairwoman of the Senate Rules chairwoman, said there’s still an opportunity for a fourth committee hearing on Skandera today if time can be found amid members’ conflicting schedules during the session’s busy, final days.

“It’s not just going to be in and out. We still need at least two, three hours to discuss. Some of the committee members have still not had the chance to ask questions,” Lopez said.

“I’m still optimistic, I am, but again with everyone running crazy, I’m going to keep trying,” she said.

Skandera told the Journal on Thursday she doesn’t share Lopez’s optimism that a confirmation vote would occur this year.

“I have to tell you, I haven’t heard anything,” said Skandera, who called the drawn-out confirmation process “disappointing.”

Meanwhile, a national group representing state superintendents of education joined the call for Skandera’s confirmation by the New Mexico Senate.

“Test scores and graduation rates have increased among New Mexico students. It is now time to confirm Hanna Skandera as secretary of education and provide the stability in leadership that New Mexicans deserve,” said Chris Minnich, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers.

The Rules Committee has spent about 10 hours over three days holding confirmation hearings for Skandera, but no vote has been taken. Two of the hearings were devoted to public testimony and the third to committee members questions.

After a Rules Committee vote, the confirmation would require action by the full Senate, where another long debate could be expected.

Skandera has directed the state Public Education Department since January 2011, when she was appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez. During the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions, the Senate committee did not hold any confirmation hearings for Skandera.
— This article appeared on page A6 of the Albuquerque Journal