LESC Education Topics


Education Support Services

Students face a number of complex circumstances both in and out of the classroom that can determine whether they are able to thrive. Ensuring that every student has their basic needs met before they enter the classroom builds a foundation that can lead to lasting increases in student achievement. Support services are especially critical for economically disadvantaged students as data continue to demonstrate a wide achievement gap between low income students and their more affluent peers. To support these students, the Legislature considers policies that reflect a well-rounded approach to education, recognizing the myriad factors that contribute to a student’s academic performance and overall wellness. Through programs like universal meals, out-of-school time, robust STEM education opportunities, school safety initiatives, and community schools, New Mexico is taking steps to provide wraparound services to support students’ wellbeing at each stage of their educational journey.

Analyst Contact: Conor Hicks | Conor.Hicks@nmlegis.gov

2024 Interim Priorities

  • Review universal school meals. LESC staff will conduct a review of the Healthy Universal School Meals (HUSM) program through engagement with districts and charters, as well as analysis of relevant data from the Public Education Department, to identify challenges facing the program for both LEAs and state government.

  • Ensure students are safe at school. LESC staff will produce a report detailing the status of school safety efforts in New Mexico through a two-pronged analysis covering factors influencing student wellbeing and physical safety.

  • Broaden pathways for innovative STEM education. LESC staff will study the structure of a proposed New Mexico STEM Innovation Network, the justification for the proposal, and better understand how existing programs and organizations can contribute to the creation and operation of this network.