New Mexico Public Education Secretary Skandera to step down

New Mexico Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera is stepping down after seven years on the job.

Public Education Department spokeswoman Lida Alikhani confirmed Thursday that Skandera will resign on June 20.

It was not immediately clear if Skandera was resigning to take another job or why she was resigning with more than a year left on her tenure.

Skandera often clashed with Democrats and teachers unions over various reforms pushed by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.

Senate Democrats for years held up for appointment in committee although she ran the department as a designate.

Under Skandera, the Public Education Department introduced a new teacher evaluation system and standardized tests with tougher requirements.

American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Stephanie Ly says Skandera’s resignation is “welcome news.”