John, back-to-school season is in full swing, and I'm proud to say that I've invested in the generation of leaders who will be returning to the classroom this fall.

To send students back to class safely, we've worked hard to stop the spread of COVID-19 and vaccinate eligible adults – and our efforts have paid off. New Mexico will be going back to in-person instruction safely, with education staff vaccinated and extensive COVID-safe practices firmly in place. 

It was a top priority of mine to get students back at their desks – and your commitment to social distancing, masking and encouraging your communities to get vaccinated has helped our state get to a point where it's safe to return to in-person instruction as we continue to respond to the pandemic.

Our grassroots movement has not only helped school districts prepare for the pandemic, we've set up students and educators for success for years to come.  

I believe that education is the foundation of opportunity and success. That's why my administration has expanded access to pre-K, invested a billion dollars in our schools, raised pay for hardworking educators and funded scholarships for higher education. 

I'm also proud to have signed legislation that will improve school equity, establish a dedicated advocate for students in special education and properly fund Native education across the state. 

It's crucial that every New Mexican has access to quality education – because the young people returning to their schools this fall will be our state's next doctors, city planners, entrepreneurs and more. Together, we're investing in our future by educating our youth.

Thanks for helping me strengthen our education system. I couldn't have done any of this without grassroots support from people like you.

Michelle Lujan Grisham