Gipson Exits PEC Citing Budget, Structural Challenges

Outgoing Public Education Commission Chair Patricia Gipson cites funding and structural problems as she leaves after 12 years on the board.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Administration

Gipson Exits PEC Citing Budget, Structural Challenges

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Patricia Gipson, who has served 12 years on the Public Education Commission, is leaving the panel, citing budget and structural challenges. The PEC is financially attached to the Public Education Department and receives two percent of charter school funding allocations.

Why it matters

The PEC does not have unfettered access to its funding allocation, which amounted to $5.7 million this fiscal year, limiting its independence in overseeing New Mexico's charter schools. Gipson said gaining more independence from the PED could take an act of the legislature.

The PEC receives two percent of charter school funding allocations, amounting to $5.7 million this fiscal year. The PED did not respond to a request for comment about its alleged use of the allocation as a rainy-day fund.

The players

Patricia Gipson

Patricia Gipson is an outgoing member of the New Mexico Public Education Commission who has served 12 years on the panel.

Jacob Trujillo

Jacob Trujillo is chair of the Bernalillo County Democrats and was appointed to PEC District 3 by the governor.

Dennis Dinge

Dennis Dinge is a former Democrat who is running for PEC District 3 through the Forward Party.

The details

Gipson's departure comes as candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties filed to replace her in District 7. Jacob Trujillo, appointed by the governor in June, holds the District 3 seat and is running for it, while Dennis Dinge is running through the newly certified Forward Party.

June: Governor appointed Jacob Trujillo to PEC District 3.
Fiscal year (current): PEC funding amounted to $5.7 million.
2021: The PED-PEC memorandum of understanding was last updated.
Monday, November 2: Story first aired before Trujillo won.

Administration Context

The PEC's financial attachment to the Public Education Department is governed by a memorandum of understanding last updated in 2021. Gipson's exit highlights that the arrangement still leaves the commission without unfettered access to its own funding.

New Mexico voters will choose who fills the PEC seats, including District 3 and District 7. The outcome will shape how the commission oversees charter schools funded through the PED.

The takeaway

The PEC's ability to oversee New Mexico's charter schools depends heavily on how its funding and independence are structured. Voters and observers should watch how the upcoming seats are filled.