American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly

AFTNM News:

ALBUQUERQUE – In response to this morning’s release of the PED audit findings by the Office of the State Auditor, American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly released the following statement:

“While we would like to pretend we are surprised at the results of the recent PED audit by the office of the State Auditor, the findings confirm what we have feared for some time – the PED simply has lost control over State-licensed charter schools through their inability to adequately monitor their finances.

“The findings of the independent audit show that the PED’s double-standards when it comes to charter transparency is hurting our students and wasting taxpayer funds through fraud, waste, and abuse. State Auditor Tim Keller is correct to continue to investigate charters’ use of taxpayer funds, and we fear the nearly thirty million dollars of funds found to be misreported, misused, or unutilized by the PED is just the tip of the iceberg.

“These latest revelations, coupled with the ongoing issues of failed background checks and falsifying licenses, point to a troubling pattern of gross incompetence, at best, and, at worst, willful deceit and corruption on the part of the PED. It is time for Secretary Skandera and Governor Martinez to be held accountable for their actions – our students and communities deserve better.”