SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday issued the following statement after the New Mexico Senate unanimously confirmed Ryan Stewart as secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department:

“When it comes to transforming education in New Mexico, Secretary Stewart has hit the ground running. He has the skills and experience to address our state’s most pressing educational needs while collaborating on long-term community-oriented solutions to ensure that we are meeting the social, emotional and academic needs of every single student.”

Secretary Stewart issued the following statement:

“I am grateful to Governor Lujan Grisham and the people of New Mexico for the honor to serve as your secretary of education. I am committed to leading a Public Education Department that works tirelessly to improve access for all students to a high-quality, culturally responsive education to prepare them for college, career and beyond. I’ve seen from my visits to our schools that we have a tremendous foundation to build upon and I’ve been struck by the abundance of hope and optimism in my conversations with educators, administrators, students and families.”