AFT President Stephanie Ly

AFT News:

Albuquerque – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT) President Stephanie Ly released the following statement:

“The announcement of temporary statewide school closures from March 16 through April 6 is a prudent decision for the health and welfare of our students, families, and education professionals across New Mexico. Worldwide data shows that proactive decisions such as mass closures help to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“Gov. Lujan Grisham and the leadership of the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) will be issuing additional information as it becomes available, however, preparation is already underway to waive the instructional hours requirements so that days will not need to be made up, although voluntary online or distance learning programing is encouraged if available. The Governor and the PED are also working to ensure school-based health clinics, access to meal sites, childcare, and other essential functions remain open and available to students.

“Other states across the country are making similar decisions, and the Governor and her administration has stated they will exercise every power within their authority to ensure that the safety of our students and communities is the priority during this temporary closure of schools.

“We want to thank Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Secretary Ryan Stewart, Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel, and Department of Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley for their quick and diligent action on behalf of New Mexicans. It puts New Mexicans as ease when we have an administration working so closely together in creating a well thought out and executed plan of action. There is no cause to panic; however, we believe erring on the side of caution and safety is the correct choice during the COVID-19 pandemic.”