PEC Funding Oversight Questioned as Gipson Exits

Families with children in New Mexico charter schools should track who wins the open PEC seats and how the Commission's $5.7 million budget is managed.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Administration

PEC Funding Oversight Questioned as Gipson Exits

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Patricia Gipson, who has served 12 years on New Mexico's Public Education Commission, is leaving the panel and cited budget and structural challenges as reasons. Candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties have filed to replace her in District 7, while Jacob Trujillo and Dennis Dinge are running for District 3.

Why it matters

The PEC is financially attached to the Public Education Department and receives two percent of charter school funding allocations, so its structure directly shapes how public school money is overseen in New Mexico. Gipson's departure puts the Commission's independence from the PED back in focus for families and school communities across the state.

The PEC's share of funding this fiscal year totals $5.7 million, drawn from two percent of charter school funding allocations. The PEC does not have unfettered access to that allocation, and the PED has not addressed reports it used the money as a rainy-day fund.

The players

Public Education Commission (PEC)

New Mexico's state commission that oversees charter school authorization and holds a two percent share of charter school funding.

Public Education Department (PED)

New Mexico's state agency that administers public school funding through the per-pupil formula and oversees the PEC's finances.

Patricia Gipson

Outgoing PEC chair who served 12 years on the Commission and is leaving citing budget and structural problems.

Jacob Trujillo

Chair of the Bernalillo County Democrats, appointed by the governor to PEC District 3 in June and running for the seat.

Dennis Dinge

Former Democrat now running for PEC District 3 through the newly certified Forward Party.

The details

The PED oversees public school funding through New Mexico's per-pupil funding formula, and the PEC's allocation is taken from charter school funding the state provides. Because the PEC is financially attached to the PED, the Commission does not have full control over its own money. Gipson said gaining more independence could require an act of the legislature, and the PED and PEC memorandum of understanding was last updated in 2021.

June: Governor appointed Jacob Trujillo to the PEC District 3 seat, where he has served since.
2021: The PED-PEC memorandum of understanding was last updated.
Monday, November 2: The story first aired before Trujillo won his race.
Fiscal year (current): PEC funding amounted to $5.7 million.

The Home Front

Commission seats that hold school funding authority shape how family-facing education dollars are managed statewide. Gipson's exit adds to New Mexico's ongoing debate over how much independence the PEC should have from the PED.

If you have a child in a New Mexico public or charter school, check which commission and district oversees your school's funding and follow the District 3 and District 7 races on your ballot. Keep track of how PEC budget decisions affect the charter schools in your area over the coming year.

The takeaway

Gipson's exit highlights how much a commission's financial independence depends on the agency that funds it, and families should watch who fills the open seats. Check your district's PEC representative before the next election cycle.