TOP OF MIND: Should the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission allow more reuse options for oil and gas wastewater?

Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

Should the “180-day rule” dispute resolve in requiring schools to spend more time with their students? Regardless of district or local needs, should more than half of the school year be a five-day school week?

“The objective in educating our children is not how many days they attend class, but what is produced with the education they receive. Many smaller districts are producing well-educated children on a four-day schedule. Why try and fix something that isn’t broke. Results are what are needed.”

— Gary Hays, Bernalillo

“Does a four- or five-day school week matter? With an almost 40% absentee rate, those kids won’t learn anyway. Shame on those parents for their lack of care.”

— DeAnn Zwight, Albuquerque

“The time spent in class matters less than a supportive environment at home. A 180-day may be necessary, but homes first need to be supported to help our children actually master skills presented in schools. Teachers first presents the wide breadth of knowledge through schoolwork, homework then reinforces and develops those skills.”

— Alexander Jones, Los Lunas

“One size doesn’t fit all, nor should it. The needs of our rural communities are completely different than that of Albuquerque, Santa Fe or Las Cruces. The individual school districts should be making those decisions. That said, just because a school is spending more time with their students doesn’t guarantee improvement.”

— Michael Davis, Albuquerque

“When 31 other states require a minimum of 180 days spent in school I don’t understand why N.M. is up in arms to oppose it. We’ve placed last in the nation. We need to try what works in other states before arguing to go to school less. When we rank alongside Colorado with their 160 days we can discuss fewer days. We need to prioritize education. I want my kids, and your kids, to have a chance in life.”

— Taylor Hebert, Corrales

“The New Mexico Public Education Department and the Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham have shown demonstrable inability to improve our state’s woeful education system. Imposition of the 180-Day Rule compounds that failure and impedes rather than enhances attainment of desired educational outcomes. Leave local school districts alone if they are achieving success albeit via innovative methodology.”

— Dave Coulie, Albuquerque

“I want to see my children and their peers learn. I don’t care if it takes 180 days a year or more for that matter. Our poor children deserve the best chance at a future, not one where colleges refuse them just because their high school degree says New Mexico. It will be challenging to transition for our rural towns, but don’t we all want smarter children?”

— Lyle Coleman, Los Lunas

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Should the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission allow more reuse options for oil and gas wastewater?

Submit your response at: https://www.abqjournal.com/site/forms/online_services/top_of_mind/

Responses must include your name and city of residence to be published.