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Forum Unites Leaders to Improve New Mexico Healthcare

Victoria Padilla
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A statewide conference convened healthcare professionals and residents to discuss ways to improve healthcare delivery in New Mexico. It is worth noting that the New Mexico Healthcare Forum encourages such discussions across the state on these important issues. The event emphasized accessibility, affordability, and workforce shortages.

Speakers highlighted New Mexico’s physician shortages, rural health disparities, and rising healthcare costs. By attending the Healthcare Forum in New Mexico, participants gain insight into these challenges. Without addressing this issue, individuals will face longer waiting periods and limited services.

The speakers discussed rural areas in which people have to drive for hours to receive specialized medical treatment. Legislators stressed the importance of balancing liability laws with patients’ needs, reflecting the current debate over House Bill 99, a topic also addressed by the New Mexico Healthcare Forum.

These types of forums provide opportunities for collaboration among health professionals, policymakers, and residents; for example, the New Mexico Healthcare Forum actively promotes such collaboration.

First, these forums provide opportunities for collaboration among health professionals, policymakers, and residents. Next, by identifying areas of agreement—such as workforce training, liability reform, and prevention programs—the state can develop policies that benefit patients. The New Mexico Healthcare Forum also helps foster teamwork to strengthen the system. Consequently, these policies help keep care at home. In addition, leaders emphasized the urgent need for teamwork to strengthen the healthcare system.

Leaders emphasized the urgent need for teamwork to strengthen the healthcare system. Furthermore, forums serve as an avenue for taking necessary steps toward health reform. Finally, they directly affect patients’ lives, as highlighted at the New Mexico Healthcare Forum.

Organizers intend to follow up on forums that encourage discussion and motivate people to implement change. These forums emphasize the importance of healthcare reform, as it would lead to better access to healthcare in the state and is frequently discussed at the New Mexico Healthcare Forum.

Gas, Drought, and Survival: Albuquerque Farmers Brace for a Tough Season at the Rail Yards Market

Juan Oliveros
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Gas, Drought, and Survival: Albuquerque Farmers Brace for a Tough Season at the Rail Yards Market

Shoppers packed their canvas bags with blue corn, leafy greens, and fresh herbs on a bright Sunday morning beneath the sprawling steel canopies of Albuquerque’s Rail Yards Market. But behind the colorful display of produce and lively crowds, many of the farmers who sustain one of New Mexico’s popular local markets say farming economics are becoming increasingly difficult.

Rising fuel prices and drought are squeezing the profit margins as growers begin another market season marked by climate stress and inflation. Gas prices have climbed past $4 a gallon in parts of New Mexico. Even in one of the nation’s top oil-producing states, residents are under mounting financial pressure.

New Mexico, according to data from AAA cited in a recent New York Times report, has the steepest increase among neighboring states. The average prices are climbing by $1.18 per gallon — from $2.61 to $3.79 — between mid‑February and mid‑March. The increase outpaced Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and California.

Cynthia Emeanuwa, owner of EMS Farms, said every trip to market has now become a heavier financial burden. Emeanuwa has sold her produce in the Albuquerque area for more than 20 years. She also regularly transports fruits and vegetables to nearby communities like Belen.

Gas prices have turned a routine expense into a heavier burden. “Our gas used to be like $1 something, $1.99 from here to $2.99,” she said. Now, for her to go to Belen and come back costs about $50.

Statewide, farmers are grappling with the pressures of higher operating costs and worsening drought conditions that scientists say are showing up more and more in the Southwest. Fuels underpin operations from field to market. — from tractors and irrigation pumps to transporting the farm produce to the markets.

Patrick West, owner of Whole Nest in Albuquerque’s South Valley, describes water scarcity as becoming just as concerning as fuel costs. West raises blue corn, a traditional crop with deep cultural roots in the South Valley.

Many farmers in the South Valley depend on private wells or long-held irrigation water rights to sustain crops during dry periods. “It’s basically your water, and it’s not metered,” West said. “I think most farmers in the South Valley here either use wells or they have water rights where they can irrigate.”

Moreso, higher gas prices have forced difficult business decisions.“We’ve had to bring up prices a little by little,” West said. “We try to keep it fair.”

Emeanuwa approached the situation differently. She absorbed much of the financial hit herself, hoping to keep fresh produce affordable for working families. “Even though we lose money from gas, we pray and we wish that things will get better,” she said. “At the meantime, we just keep the prices the way they are so people can afford to buy our produce.”

The struggles experienced by local farmers have highlighted the increasing role of community-based food programs in Albuquerque. The Rail Yards Market, a non-profit community market operating under a 501(c)(3) designation, has become more than a place for weekend gathering. It is emerging as a key support system for small producers squeezed by higher prices and climate uncertainty.

To encourage participation, the Rail Yards Market charges raw produce growers only $5 per Sunday booth fee. It also teams up with Albuquerque officials and Bernalillo County’s Area Agency on Aging to hand out free boxes of produce to low-income seniors caring for children.

The market says 75 percent of revenue from veggie box sales goes back to participating farms, while the remaining revenue supports operations. Organizers have also channelled more than $150,000 in assistance dollars into local food purchases, including SNAP, WIC, and Double Up Food Bucks

Many vendors describe those programs as providing crucial stability during uncertain times. The Rail Yards Market will remain open every Sunday through October, providing both local goods and support for farmers facing mounting challenges.

New Mexico Just Expanded Disability Rights — and It Could Change Lives Across the State

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Just Expanded Disability Rights — and It Could Change Lives Across the State

New Mexico lawmakers are pushing deeper into what advocates describe as one of the country’s most ambitious initiatives to expand disability rights.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed House Bill 38 into law. The new law widens the scope of New Mexico’s landmark 2023 prosthetics and orthotics coverage mandate to include complex rehabilitation technology devices — equipment that many residents with disabilities depend on for mobility, physical health, and daily living.

The measure builds on House Bill 131, unanimously approved in 2023, which made New Mexico the first state in the United States to require private insurers to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices. Since then, lawmakers in at least 11 other states have introduced or proposed similar measures, making New Mexico a model for disability policy reform.

Roughly 16 to 18 percent of New Mexico residents—roughly one in six residents— live with some form of disability. It is one of the highest rates in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disability advocates say the numbers underscore why access to medical technology and adaptive equipment has become a growing political issue in the state.

“These allow people with disabilities to access physical activities and sports, helping to maintain physical health,” State Rep. Kathleen Cates, a Republican from Rio Rancho, wrote in the Albuquerque Journal. She said the devices also support “medically necessary mobility and positioning needs.”

Supporters say the measure is particularly important for children with disabilities, whose mobility devices need regular adjustment and replacement with age. The legislation also creates a pathway to add additional rehabilitation technologies over time.

A coalition of lawmakers, athletes, and disability-rights organizers supported the passage of the bill, including amputee athlete and advocate Kyle Stepp, State Rep. Liz Thomson of Albuquerque, and State Sen. Liz Stefanics of Cerrillos.

“The show of community support was incredible,” Cates wrote. The legislation would not have succeeded without sustained public pressure at committee hearings throughout the session, she added.

This year’s legislative session approved the new law as part of a more comprehensive package of disability-focused measures.

Lawmakers also passed Senate Bill 64, establishing the Office of Special Education, a statewide office that will connect learners with disabilities to services and improve compliance with disability law. The office is intended to help New Mexico meet obligations under the landmark Yazzie/Martinez education ruling, which found the state had failed to give adequate education to vulnerable students, including children with disabilities.

The Legislature’s abbreviated 30-day session did not approve Cates’ proposed Accessibility Act, or House Bill 295. But the lawmaker vowed to return the measure during next year’s 60-day session.

The proposal would establish a hub overseeing accessibility improvements in government buildings and public facilities across New Mexico. Advocates say the measure could streamline the process for reporting accessibility barriers and seeking solutions from state agencies.

Cates also said she plans to pursue reforms to improve dental care access for residents with disabilities, an issue health advocates increasingly connect to broader medical outcomes.

The recent legislation, according to advocates, reflects a shift in disability policy in New Mexico — not only a healthcare matter, but a matter of civil rights and public participation. “The ability to participate in one’s community on all levels shouldn’t be hindered by disability,” Cates wrote. “New Mexico needs to bring everyone to the table and use our strengths and voices to thrive.”

Hospitals and Doctors Rally Behind HB 99 to Keep Care Local

Victoria Padilla
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Among all doctors, hospitals, and healthcare institutions in the state of New Mexico, there has been consensus in support of House Bill 99. This bill, also known as New Mexico Medical Malpractice Reform HB 99, calls for medical malpractice reform to ensure patient access to care.

The physician shortage and instability in community hospitals make this reform crucial. These issues will pressure providers to leave. As a result, patients will be unable to receive treatment, which is why advocates argue for New Mexico Medical Malpractice Reform HB 99.

Healthcare authorities in the state have stated that patients in rural areas who currently have to travel miles to find specialty services and wait days to be treated will be helped by House Bill 99. In fact, New Mexico Medical Malpractice Reform HB 99 allows for shorter wait times. As a result, patients receive treatment closer to home.

With HB 99, there will be greater stability in medical malpractice law. This will result in greater ease in recruiting and retaining physicians. There will still be the ability to hold negligent parties accountable. At the same time, the reforms will ensure predictability and fairness regarding medical malpractice exposure. For these reasons, medical professionals support HB 99, the New Mexico Medical Malpractice Reform.

This news piece highlights the need for this legislation. It ensures that New Mexicans have access to quality healthcare services locally and on time.

Representatives from the healthcare industry advise lawmakers to reject any compromise and support HB 99. As Troy Clark, chief executive officer of the New Mexico Hospital Association, put it: “If it doesn’t meaningfully protect patients’ access to care, we will ask legislators to vote no.” This step is necessary for maintaining healthcare locally.

Deadly Hantavirus Raises Alarm Following Cruise Ship Illnesses

Victoria Padilla
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Health officials suspect hantavirus, a rodent‑borne illness, caused a cruise ship outbreak that killed three passengers. It also left others seriously ill. In fact, this situation is now being referred to as the Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak.

This is critical since the virus is extremely deadly, with a mortality rate of up to 35% in hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Moreover, the Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak highlights the susceptibility of enclosed spaces, such as ships. In these settings, infections can spread rapidly.

Hantavirus became widely known recently after the death of Betsy Arakawa, who was the wife of actor Gene Hackman, due to hantavirus infection in New Mexico. Most hantavirus infections in the USA occur in Western rural states, but the recent Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak has raised new concerns.

In these regions, interaction with rodents is frequent. Meanwhile, scientists are decoding the virus on the cruise ship. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak closely for further developments.

Immediate medical attention increases the chances of surviving the infection. Early detection of symptoms, such as fever, shivering, body aches, and shortness of breath, gives doctors enough time to prevent the lungs from flooding with fluid. Furthermore, to avoid infection, one should take precautions. These include following safety cleaning procedures and reducing the likelihood of encountering rodents.

The above headline makes it clear that immediate action is necessary to address hantavirus infections, which are not only extremely dangerous but also quite rare. Additionally, an outbreak on board a cruise ship requires immediate measures. Such steps are crucial to saving lives.

WHO continues investigating the problem, while experts claim that prevention can be achieved through rodent control. Also, following safety procedures during cleaning helps prevent outbreaks.

Lujan Grisham Urges Parents: Enroll Kids in Summer Reading Program

Gregg Morgan
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Lujan Grisham Urges Parents: Enroll Kids in Summer Reading Program

Got plans for your kids this summer? You can add this activity to your list. 

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham urges parents to sign their children up for New Mexico’s Summer Reading Program. The free initiative helps incoming kindergarteners through outgoing eighth graders boost their literacy skills. 

“Three years ago, just over a third of New Mexico students could read at grade level. Now we’re approaching half and climbing,” said Lujan Grisham in a recent Facebook post. 

“That’s because we invested in the science of reading, trained our teachers, and made sure every child has a shot at learning to read no matter what,” she continued.

Lujan Grisham said they will keep that momentum going this summer. 

“New Mexico’s Summer Reading Program is free, for incoming kindergarteners to outgoing eighth graders. Small groups and trained literacy instructors can make a huge difference in your child’s reading skills. Don’t wait to get them signed up!” she said.

The state offers the program to families, highlighting that reading interventions work. Focused instruction helps students catch up on essential reading skills and build confidence to succeed across all school subjects. The goal is simple: enhance literacy, track reading progress, and boost confidence.

Registration for summer of 2026 is now open. Click here to register your student. 

Site Participation

The state seeks to partner with schools, libraries, and community organizations to plan and host Summer Reading Program sites. This effort promotes unity to strengthen literacy and inspire young readers across New Mexico.

Literacy program sites participate by simply providing classroom spaces for four-hour instruction during a four week duration. 

The state’s role at program sites include:

  • Public outreach campaign for the recruitment of literacy instructors and student participants.
  • Oversee student registration for the Summer Reading Program.
  • Manage hiring, onboarding, and payment of literacy instructors.
  • Establish Summer Reading Program sites throughout New Mexico in partnership with schools and community organizations.

Instructor Applications

If you’re someone who wants to spend your summer making a difference, the state funded program is for you. The initiative encourages current or retired educators, college faculty, and pre-service educators to apply. But, instructors do not need a background in education. All instructors will be trained by literacy experts prior to the beginning of the program. 

Applicants for the Summer Reading Program:

  • Do not need to be licensed teachers. All literacy instructors will receive training prior to the start of the program as well as ongoing support by literacy experts.
  • Must be available for literacy training beginning at the end of March and continuing through April.
  • Must be able to work a minimum of 25 hours per week.

Instructors receive compensation at a rate of $35/hour.

The state established the Summer Reading Program in 2024. The initiative provides literacy instruction and intervention to support 10,000 New Mexico students.

Edgewood and Santa Fe County Move Toward EMS and Fire Services Agreement After Community Outcry

Juan Oliveros
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Edgewood and Santa Fe County Move Toward EMS and Fire Services Agreement After Community Outcry

Edgewood and Santa Fe County officials say they are close to reaching a deal to retain emergency services (EMS) and fire services for thousands of residents in the town’s Santa Fe County area. Officials reached a near-deal after weeks of mounting tension, packed public meetings, and fears over emergency response times.

Leaders from both governments announced Tuesday they had reached a “principles of agreement” on a new joint powers arrangement that allows Santa Fe County firefighters and EMS crews to continue responding to emergency calls in Edgewood. This fast-growing town stretches across four counties east of Albuquerque.

The tentative framework eases tensions from the prolonged tension that threatened to cut county emergency coverage by June.

Money lies at the core of the conflict. County officials argued that Edgewood no longer paid its share for fire and EMS services under a 20-year-old agreement. Town leaders countered, however, that the county was charging too much. The dispute escalated into litigation over unpaid balances, eventually leading to the scheduled termination of the existing arrangement.

But the possibility of losing fire and EMS triggered fierce backlash from residents. Many of these residents packed recent public meetings. They warned that the breakdown in negotiations could endanger lives and drive up homeowners’ insurance costs.

“I’m afraid for response times, for fires and for ambulances,” resident Jean DeMarte told town officials during one meeting. “To stop paying them, I mean, that’s just plain old stupid.”

Under the proposed agreement, Edgewood would maintain the payment system in place since 2005. It would repay the county through revenues aligned with excise taxes and development charges paid by residents in unincorporated county areas. Edgewood paid the county about $660,000 for coverage in 2023.

The new framework would also establish an automatic payment scheme to prevent future disputes. Under the proposed agreement, the town would transfer payments immediately after receiving state gross receipts tax revenues. Both sides could terminate the agreement, but only with a five-year notice.

“This new agreement lays the groundwork to ensure continued services while also recognizing community preferences and supporting the Town’s long-range planning needs,” Edgewood Mayor Mike Rariden said in a statement. Days before this, Rariden announced he will retire as mayor and District 5 commissioner during the week of May 4–8, 2026, following the final implementation of the Fire/EMS Joint Powers Agreement.

Santa Fe County Manager Gregory Shaffer said the proposed framework is fair and sustainable. He said the agreement would ensure residents and visitors continue to receive “first-rate fire and EMS services” from county personnel.

The proposed agreement also points to an enduring transition in how Edgewood handles emergency services. Under the proposal, the county would help the town in studying whether Edgewood should have a municipal fire service over time. If approved by the state fire marshal, the county could also provide surplus firefighting equipment to help the town have its own fleet.

Edgewood would pay an estimated $2.27 million over time for technical consultation, support services, and equipment. It will start with a $50,000 down payment, then monthly installments over 18 years.

Town commissioners will hear public feedback and consider action during a special meeting. Residents who feared losing their emergency safety net have won at least a reprieve for now.

Does Moisture in New Mexico Helps Reducing Fire Risk?—State Forestry Answers

Ruben Reyes
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Does Moisture in New Mexico Helps Reducing Fire Risk?—State Forestry Answers

Over the last few days, many have observed an unusual late in moisture season. With monsoon season approaching quickly, state forestry reports that this moisture is giving some relief in fire risk, but it won’t last long.

George Ducker of New Mexico Forestry Division states, “It’s definitely taking our foot off the pedal a little in terms of fire potential over the next couple of weeks.”

“But all it’s going to take is a couple of weeks of warm, dry weather and we’ll probably be right back where we were,” he adds.

State Forestry considers May and June the peak fire months. Although snow and rain have fallen recently in the state, the real dilemma is that many areas in higher elevations suffered from low snowpack this past winter and are drying out quickly.

This is crucial for businesses that rely on snow as their main revenue driver.

“It’s gonna give those fuels a little moisture, but what they really need in those higher elevations is a couple of months’ worth of snow,” Ducker explains. “All rain is good within reason; however, it is a little too late for our higher elevations that really suffered from a lack of snowpack this year,” he adds.

Ski Santa Fe, Sipapu Resort, Eagle Nest, Raton, Las Vegas, and Mora received snow on May 1. However, State Forestry states it is nearly not sufficient enough to make a lasting difference.

The Answer

“While we welcome all moisture, the snowpack deficit that we still have in our higher elevations is our primary concern with heavy fuels,” Ducker notes.

State Forestry reports that the eastern plains are their area of biggest concern, as dry grass and higher winds allow fires to spread very quickly.

The short-term moisture in the state does not eliminate the fire risk due to insufficient moisture, new risks such as lightning strikes, and rapid drying.

CYFD and ABQ Police Should Have Done More to Protect Kids from Their Mother – Family says

Ruben Reyes
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CYFD and ABQ Police Should Have Done More to Protect Kids from Their Mother – Family says

A mother lights a family; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean she should ignite the house where her kids live. The grandmother and a family friend feared for the kids’ safety, and they believed CYFD and police did not act fast enough.

In February, police received a call about a fire at Yailasha Smith’s apartment. Police rescued Smith and her two kids, but the grandmother of one of the kids says they called police days earlier, reporting that the mother was acting inconsistently.

According to a report, smoke poured out of the door, and a fire burned in the bathroom.

Albuquerque police arrested 28-year-old Yailasha Smith, accusing her of putting her two children in danger, who were both lying in bed as the fire burned. While on the scene, officers and firefighters expressed their concern that something like this might happen, stating they had received five calls earlier that day.

Now loved ones are coming forward, saying there’s much more to the story. Lisa Cubbage, the grandmother of Smith’s nine-year-old child, claims the Albuquerque Police Department and Children’s Youth Families Department ignored her concerns days before the fire.

“They didn’t do their job to protect the children, and I felt that that’s what that agency was for. To protect our children,” said Lisa Cubbage.

Events Before the Fire

Cubbage reported that the children’s teachers first noticed belt marks on their bodies, prompting CYFD to intervene with Smith over a year ago.

Smith involved CYFD with them again around last November when she left the kids at Cubbage’s home and never returned.

After Cubbage notified CYFD and APD, they advised her not to return the kids to Smith; however, in February, Smith showed up at the kids’ school and took them.

“When she removed the kids from the school, and we called, letting them know that the boys were in danger due to her erratic behavior and the live posts she posted on social media. You know, we were told she has custody and that basically it was okay for her to have the boys,” said Lisa Cubbage.

 Authorities Lapsed on the Case

Daniel Tafoya, a family friend who helps Cubbage pick up the kids from school, said that after Smith took the kids from school, they called CYFD and APD for three days before the fire to notify them that Smith was a danger.

He told authorities that Smith posted concerning videos, but authorities conducted a welfare check through a window.

“Her saying the kids are okay and seeing the kids on the bed, how do you know the kids aren’t hurt on the bed? You know, you can’t look through a window and have 100% evidence that the kids are okay on the bed,” said Daniel Tafoya, a family friend.

When family issues get out of hand, distant relatives or family friends seek help from law enforcement agencies to protect the safety and well-being of the children. However, CYFD and APD failed to do this—they only did the bare minimum when checking on children.

Agencies should not operate this way when checking the welfare of possible victims or handling incoming reports. They should also investigate how the callers recognized the imminent danger.

Tafoya said that police warned him to stop calling, or else they would arrest him instead. He said that CYFD should have done more when police did not.

“They should’ve petitioned and said, hey, it’s need to go in front of a judge, we need to get into this house with all their evidence that they said they had, the reports before,” he said.

Authorities should not threaten to arrest a concerned citizen for calling just because they went there and saw a different picture. They should have at least examined the area and questioned the neighbors about how Smith treats the kids.

Concerns Are Coming In

In this case, when a parent is uncooperative, CYFD relies on law enforcement to authorize a hold of the children, which law enforcement did not do. They fully understand Smith’s concerning videos on Friday, but they could not seek a petition until the following Monday.

APD raised concerns regarding Smith’s capacity to care for the children, requiring legal justification for intervention. Following a consultation with a licensed clinician, APD prohibited Smith from picking up the children from school on February 5. The next day’s fire prompted officers to intervene.

Considering the justification needed to prevent the incident, one cannot deny that CYFD and APD could have minimized the possibility of fire happening if they urgently took action and did not allow any worst-case scenario to occur.

This case calls on law enforcement agencies to take all reports seriously and with urgency as danger does not wait. Every second matters when danger approaches; one second of intervention can help pause or halt the danger.

Graduation Season Arrives — APS Announces Schedule

Gregg Morgan
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Graduation Season Arrives — APS Announces Schedule

And just like that, another group of students closes their high school chapter and steps forward into the exciting college phase. For those eager to plan ahead, Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) recently dropped the graduation dates for its schools.

The graduation season kicked off on May 1. College and Career High School graduates marked the milestone with their loved ones at Berna Facio Professional Development Complex. 

All other APS high schools are slated to hold their ceremonies the week of May 18.

APS Superintendent Gabriella Durán Blakey and Central New Mexico Community College President Tracy Hartzler joined the CCHS graduates on stage. In a joint Journal Op ed, they praised the partnership between their institutions that makes College and Career High School possible.   

“This year, the early college magnet school is graduating 68 seniors who will not only earn their high school diplomas, but will have collectively completed 4,409 college credit hours, 84 certificates, and 77 associate degrees across fields from biotechnology and engineering to automotive technology and nursing assistant,” they wrote. “All this was achieved tuition-free — saving the families a combined $370,300 in tuition.” 

Together, APS and CNM graduate about 12,000 students a year.

Check out the upcoming APS graduation ceremonies at Berna Facio and Tingley Coliseums. 

Berna Facio graduations

Transition Services, School on Wheels, Freedom High, New Futures High, Nex+Gen Academy and Early College Academy will hold ceremonies at Berna Facio Professional Development Complex, 3315 Louisiana Blvd. NE.

Officials will not allow glass vases or balloons at the Berna Facio graduation ceremonies.

Tingley graduations

APS comprehensive high schools and eCADEMY High School will have their graduations at Tingley Coliseum at EXPO New Mexico. 

If you plan to attend a graduation ceremony at Tingley, expect to walk through a metal detector. Also, allow extra time for the security screenings.

Attendees may bring only clear bags. Organizers prohibit the following items at APS graduation ceremonies:

  • Outside food
  • Outside beverages, including water
  • Balloons
  • Noisemakers 
  • Glass vases 

Flowers remain permitted at Tingley. Vendors sell them on-site during graduation ceremonies for attendees. 

Visitors can park for free at Gate 8, located at Lomas and Louisiana entrance. Drivers requiring handicap parking should use Gate 3 at the Copper and San Pedro entrance and present valid handicap placards.

Drivers must enter EXPO NM using only right-hand turns when accessing the venue. 

Additional information

Anyone with questions or concerns should contact their high school’s Activities Office.

Visit the APS Class of 2026 graduation page for more information about graduation and to watch ceremonies.

Comprehensive high schools will hold graduation ceremonies at Tingley Coliseum. Meanwhile, most magnet schools will host celebrations at Berna Facio Professional Development Center.  

Graduation Schedule

Tingley Coliseum

  • May 18, Atrisco Heritage Academy, 9:30 a.m.
  • May 18, Eldorado 2 p.m.
  • May 18, Manzano, 6:30pm
  • May 19, Volcano Vista, 9:30 a.m.
  • May 19, eCADEMY,  2 p.m.
  • May 19, Albuquerque High, 6:30 p.m.
  • May 20, West Mesa, 9:30 a.m.
  • May 20, Valley, 2 p.m.
  • May 20, Rio Grande, 6:30 p.m.
  • May 21, Cibola 9:30 a.m
  • May 21, Del Norte, 2 p.m.
  • May 21, Sandia 6:30 p.m.
  • May 22, La Cueva, 9:30 a.m.
  • May 22, Highland, 2 p.m. 

Berna Facio  Professional Development Center

  • May 1, College and Career, 2 p.m.
  • May 21, Early College Academy 9 a.m.
  • May 21, Nex+Gen Academy, 12:30 p.m.
  • May 21, Transition Services, 3:30pm
  • May 22, School on Wheels, 9 a.m.
  • May 22, Freedom, 12:30 p.m.
  • May 22, New Futures, 3:30 p.m. 
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