In the fall of 2019, the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) requested that all New Mexico school districts establish a Superintendent’s/Executive Director’s Equity Council. The Montessori Elementary and Middle School (TMEMS) is dedicated to supporting students, families, and staff through the systematic implementation of best practices and new ideas. We have the goal of becoming a model of broad participation, full inclusion, equity, and social justice in our school district. With this target in mind, we are proud to work with students, families, staff, and administration to ensure that TMEMS is a welcoming and nurturing environment.

We are looking for applicants who would want to serve on the TMEMS Equity Council.  If you are interested in a position on our TMEMS Equity Council, please contact Piper Curry at pcurry@tmesnm.com and Alissa Sanchez at asanchez@tmesnm.com.

This Council will be a local-level team that will help inform the district’s actions and solutions in response to Martinez/Yazzie. This group is responsible for addressing key areas related to Martinez/Yazzie and completing the following criteria:

• readiness assessment
• equity plan
• culturally and linguistically responsive (CLR) frameworks
• funding report
• Black Education Act implementation HB 43

The Equity Council will provide updates to and collaborate with the school administration and school governing bodies. The Superintendent’s Executive Director’s Equity Councils are advisory; they do not make final decisions or policies.

Based on NMPED guidelines, the Council shall be composed of a number of members sufficient to meet the requirements, but no more than 15 members serving staggered three or four-year terms.

The Council membership shall include representatives of the school district, school staff, students, parents, and family members, community members, and members of Nations, Tribes, or Pueblos.

At least half of the total membership must represent the student groups identified in the Court’s ruling in the Yazzie Martinez case – students with disabilities, Native American students, students who are English learners, and economically disadvantaged students.