This article first appeared in the Los Alamos Daily Post on October 8, 2024

During the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association’s (NMOGA) Annual Conference Monday, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joined Tracee Bentley, president of the Permian Strategic Partnership, and Missi Currier, president and CEO of NMOGA, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the state’s education system and the important role the oil and gas industry plays in advocating for long-term improvements to the education system.  

Gov. Lujan Grisham, Bentley and Currier discussed the administration’s education initiatives, how the industry has supported and can continue to support local students and communities, and the vision for the future of New Mexico and its students.

“We appreciate Governor Lujan Grisham joining us for this important discussion because we must ensure all New Mexico students have access to a high-quality education in order to have a strong workforce, economy, and state,” Bentley said. “The Permian Strategic Partnership has been working tirelessly to support early childhood education, literacy initiatives, and career and technical education programs. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Lujan Grisham on long-term, sustainable solutions to the challenges our students face.” 

“NMOGA is deeply invested in the success of New Mexico students and communities, providing nearly one-third of the revenue for New Mexico’s General Fund that supports our state’s education, including our universal Pre-K system,” Currier said. “By partnering and sharing unique insights into the needs of industry and employers in the region, NMOGA members are ensuring New Mexico’s education aligns with the needs of the local workforce.”   

According to the most recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nation’s Report Card, New Mexico once again ranked 50th among all states in student achievement.

The Permian Strategic Partnership is dedicated to the sustainable improvement of student achievement in New Mexico’s education system and student achievement across the state, including by supporting the long-term implementation of Gov. Lujan Grisham’s policies to: 

• Expand access to early childhood education;
• Increase literacy rates among all New Mexico students;
• Bolster career and technical education programs; and
• Increase access to high-quality materials and professional development for educators.