Two weeks after the resignation of Arsenio Romero, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed a new secretary of education as New Mexico’s education system struggles with its proficiency percentages.
Lujan Grisham announced Sept. 10 that her senior education policy advisor, Mariana Padilla, would step up to become the new secretary to the New Mexico Public Education Department, following confirmation by the state senate. Padilla becomes the fifth secretary to enter the position during Grisham’s time as governor.
Romero resigned after being selected as a finalist to become New Mexico State University’s new president, a vacancy created by the resignation of John Floros in 2022.
Micheal Coleman, a spokesman for the governor, said Romero had been given a choice to “either resign and continue pursuing the NMSU position, or stay on the job and withdraw his candidacy at NMSU.”
Padilla was born and raised in Albuquerque where she also began her career in education.
“Mariana’s deep roots in New Mexico and her lifelong commitment to children and families make her the right leader for this moment,” Lujan Grisham said in a news release.
Padilla currently serves as the director of New Mexico Children’s Cabinet, a position she has held since 2019.
Lujan Grisham said in the release that Padilla’s work had shaped program, policy and budget priorities, and that she’s worked across state agencies to implement key initiatives and system-wide improvements.
“Her accomplishments include establishing the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, launching a statewide literacy initiative and driving the Governor’s Cradle to Career education agenda supporting students from birth through college and career readiness,” Lujan Grisham said.
“I am incredibly honored to be appointed by Gov. Lujan Grisham to lead the New Mexico Public Education Department,” Padilla said in a statement. “I am committed to working collaboratively with students, families, educators, and community partners to achieve the outcomes we all want to see. As a parent of grade school students, I share the sense of urgency to deliver for our kids.”
