State officials say nearly three-fourths of New Mexico's teachers rated "effective" or better under a much-debated evaluation system partly based on student achievement. The New Mexico Public Education Department announced Monday that around 47 percent of teacher evaluated were deemed effective while 24 percent were graded highly effective. Additionally some two-and-a-half percent were rated "exemplary." About 26 percent of teachers were graded "minimally effective" or "ineffective." According to the report, a slightly smaller percentage of teachers rated as "effective" or better compared to last year. Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera told The Associated Press the report is a "game changer" since it utilized data like teacher attendance and surveys, although districts can decide how that information is used. Earlier this year, a state appeals court refused to block New Mexico's teacher evaluation system amid criticism from some educators and union officials.
Former technology executive and GOP presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina is headlining a fundraiser for the Republican Party of New Mexico. Fiorina, likely the only prominent woman to seek the GOP nomination, is scheduled to speak at the "Silver Elephant Event" in Albuquerque later this month. The state party uses the annual fundraiser for Republican candidates in New Mexico and comes months after the GOP gained control of the state House chamber. Fiorina, who is 60, chose a nationally broadcast network news show on Monday to announce her candidacy, and she also posted a video. The former chief executive of Hewlett-Packard, appearing on ABC's "Good Morning America," said she understands "executive decision-making."
A Rio Rancho woman who flashed her headlights at an oncoming car and was cited by the driver of the vehicle — a police officer — is challenging a city ordinance about driving in a way that distracts motorists and disturbs the peace. The Albuquerque Journal reports that Mariah Martinez filed a motion last week alleging Rio Rancho is violating the First Amendment rights of drivers by pulling them over for flashing their lights or honking their horns. The ordinance sets a penalty of up to 90 days in jail. Martinez's lawyers say cars are equipped with horns and lights for communicating. They further argue that the ordinance is instilling fear in Rio Rancho drivers, chilling this form of speech. A city spokeswoman said the city doesn't comment on pending litigation.
A Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputy is on paid administrative leave following a south valley shooting that left one man dead. The Albuquerque Journal reports deputies responded to a neighbor's call that an argument was taking place in a parked car. Deputies talked to the woman and tried to talk to the man, who then produced a weapon. Sheriff Manny Gonzales said neither the deputy nor the man has been identified. The deputy fired several rounds at the suspect. He was hit once, and pronounced dead early Sunday morning at University of New Mexico Hospital. No one has been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.
The location of the Farmers Market on Taos Plaza is being disputed by some merchants.Town Councilor Judi Cantu called an informal meeting last week and several plaza business- owners expressed their displeasure. Local volunteer Lynn Fitzgerald presented numerous solutions to some of the major complaints, but, she says, competition for tourism dollars is great. *****050515-Fitzgerald :23***** Town Manager Rick Bellis says it’s an issue that is still being discussed internally by the council but there is no change to the plaza location for the market at this time.
Cinco de Mayo is an occasion with a reputation as being a ‘drinking holiday.’ To make it safe, Santa Fe County DWI Prevention Specialist Peter Olson says the County is offering reduced-fare taxi cab rides home from bars and parties tonight. *****050515-Olson-1 :12***** Olson says the phone number to call for the reduced-fare cab rides tonight is: 438-0000. *****050515-Olson-4 :12***** Peter Olson with Santa Fe County.
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly cloudy with the high near 60 and a 60-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms, mainly this afternoon. Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a 60-percent chance for showers, mainly before 1am, the overnight low 44. Tomorrow: mostly sunny with the high 60 and a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms.