Equity Council

In the fall of 2019, the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) requested that all New Mexico school districts and charter schools establish a Superintendent’s/Executive Director’s Equity Council.

This Council will be a local-level team that will help inform the district/charter school’s actions and solutions in response to the Martinez/Yazzie lawsuit versus the New Mexico Public Education Department ruling. This group is responsible for addressing key areas related to Martinez/Yazzie and the four deliverables:

  1. readiness assessment
  2. equity plan
  3. culturally and linguistically responsive (CLR) frameworks
  4. funding report

The Equity Council will provide updates to and collaborate with the school boards and school governing bodies. The Executive Director’s Equity Council is an advisory; they do not make final decisions or policy.

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 Courts’ ruling in the Yazzie Martinez case – students with disabilities, Native American students, students who are English learners and economically disadvantaged students.

In determining SGMS’ Council, the school used the selection criteria set forth by NMPED.

  • Jessica McGuire, Certified Teacher
  • Elva Melendez, Certified Teacher
  • Sonia Sanchez, Educational Assistant
  • Crystal Meraz, Administrative Assistant
  • Joe Andreis, Principal
  • Maria Elena Sanchez, Sidney Gutierrez Student
  • Cinda Olvera, Parent
  • Yasine Armstrong, Governing Council Vice-President