OPINION: It’s time to disrupt the system and introduce real school reform in NM

As the vice chairwoman of the Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) and a proud advocate for New Mexico’s children, our state’s education reform is long overdue.

With my husband, state Sen. Craig Brandt, R-Rio Rancho, preparing to introduce a comprehensive school choice bill in the upcoming 2025 legislative session, it’s time for New Mexico to embrace the change that so many families and communities desperately need.

For years, Craig has fought tirelessly for school choice legislation, only to face fierce opposition from New Mexico Democrats who have long resisted meaningful reforms to our education system. Despite his repeated attempts, these efforts have been thwarted by lawmakers who prioritize the status quo, leaving our children stuck in underperforming schools — most notably in the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) district, which continues to fail our students.

SPPI’s surveys have made it clear that New Mexico’s parents are fed up with the lack of quality educational options and are demanding change. Over 75% of parents in Albuquerque expressed a desire to enroll their children in charter schools if given the opportunity, and many cited dissatisfaction with the current state of public education, especially in APS. Parents are tired of the endless bureaucracy and the fact that so much money is poured into a system that fails to produce measurable results.

Meanwhile, our neighboring states are moving forward. Arizona has successfully adopted school choice reform in recent years, and Texas is also pushing forward with its initiatives to offer parents more educational freedom. New Mexico cannot afford to fall further behind. We must make significant strides in education reform to stay competitive and give our children the best opportunities to succeed.

APS spends billions of dollars each year. Yet, academic outcomes remain dismal, with only 40% of high school students testing proficient or above in reading and even fewer in math. The district has struggled with declining enrollment, rising costs, and significant inefficiencies. This system is not working, and it’s time to think outside the box.

School choice is a proven solution. It empowers parents to select the best educational option for their children, whether a charter school, private school or homeschooling. It increases competition and ensures that schools are held accountable for their performance. Most importantly, it allows children to thrive in an environment that best meets their needs.

As we approach the 2025 legislative session (beginning Tuesday), I urge lawmakers to listen to the concerns of New Mexico parents. It’s time to prioritize the needs of our children and adopt policies that give families the freedom to choose the best educational path. Craig’s bill is an essential step in the right direction, but it needs the support of all lawmakers who care about the future of our state’s children.

New Mexico must become more competitive with our neighbors, offering parents the tools to ensure their children receive the education they deserve. The status quo has failed. It’s time to disrupt the system, introduce school choice reform, and create a brighter future for all New Mexico students.

Tonja Brandt is the vice chairwoman of the Southwest Public Policy Institute, a nonprofit research institute in the American Southwest dedicated to promoting better living through better policy.