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State Education Dept Gets Feedback on Native Student Needs

August 15, 2025

8.15.25 – Host Nash Jones heads to the Mescalero Apache Reservation for a community feedback meeting organized by the state Public Education Department. This is one of about a dozen in-person and virtual meetings across the state this month to get input for PED’s new plan to meet compliance with court orders under the Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit. 

Host: Nash Jones 

Photojournalists: 
Joey Dunn  
RJ Torres  

Guests:  
Ariel Aguilar (Mescalero Apache), Former student  
Thora Padilla, President, Mescalero Apache Tribe  
Rosalinda Baeza, Mid/High Principal, Mescalero Apache Schools  
Mariana Padilla, Secretary, New Mexico Public Education Department  
John Sena, Director, Legislative Education Study Committee 

For More Information: 

Native communities urge state to embrace language, culture in Yazzie/Martinez plan – New Mexico In Depth