New Mexico education secretary closes another charter school

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Education Secretary Christopher Ruszkowski is upholding a decision to close a charter school in northern New Mexico with 200 students. Public Education Department spokeswoman Lida Alikhani confirmed Sunday that Taos International Charter School is having its operating charter revoked. The school unsuccessfully appealed a December vote of the Public Education Commission to close the school. The commission opposed the school's initial charter in 2012, but was overruled by the administration of Republican Gov. Susana Martinez. The state has moved to close at least half a dozen charter school based on academic results and reviews. In a statement, the Public Education Department said it is committed to strengthening the charter school sector overall. Taos Municipal Schools has indicated it can accommodate students from the moribund charter school.