At Transform Education New Mexico, we believe every student deserves a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive. Our policy agenda emphasizes the importance of creating community schools that serve as hubs of learning and support, fostering success through equitable resources and services.
In her op-ed, NEA-NM President Mary Parr-Sanchez underscores the importance of fostering environments where young people feel seen, valued, and supported. She writes:
“One of the six precepts of a Community School is to create a culture of safety, care and belonging. To achieve those precepts the net must be cast both far and wide… Our students, both now and future generations, are counting on us to change the current trajectory and recommit to the community values we all hold dear.”
These six core beliefs—engagement, leadership, enriched learning, rigorous instruction, belonging, and integrated supports—align deeply with Transform Education NM’s broader policy goals, including juvenile justice reform. Addressing violence means fostering environments where young people feel supported and connected, whether through schools, community resources, or systems that prioritize prevention and intervention.
Read the full op-ed by NEA-NM President Mary Parr-Sanchez here: Read the article here
This op-ed was originally published by the National Education Association of New Mexico (NEA-NM). We thank NEA-NM and Mary Parr-Sanchez for sharing these valuable insights.