FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Dyrcz
August 17, 2026 505-554-8679

Gallup – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Whitney Holland and Gallup-McKinley County Schools educator Sawyer Masonjones released the following statements:

“For over a year, AFT New Mexico has been fighting alongside Sawyer Masonjones to have him reinstated as an educator serving the Gallup-McKinley County Schools. Today’s arbitration decision reinstating Mr. Masonjones and providing back pay, seniority, and fees helps bring closure to this issue.

“AFT New Mexico will always support educators in pursuing their passion for education by fighting for due process and fairness, and that was at the heart of this dispute. GMCS incorrectly discharged Mr. Masonjones without due process, access to corrective measures, or opportunity for professional development. Coupled with Mr. Masonjones’ lack of disciplinary history and favorable teaching evaluations, we agree with the arbitrator’s conclusion that discharge was ‘disproportionate’,” said Holland.

“I believe my investigation and termination were directly tied to becoming the local union President of the McKinley County Federation of United School Employees (MCFUSE). With the arbitrator’s ruling, my hope is that GMCS will now work with us as educators and as MCFUSE so we can bring the best education possible to our students and that GMCS will end its harmful practices against staff.

“This has been a harrowing experience that I wish on no one, and I have been concerned that my termination would cause me to potentially never be able to teach again. I'm looking forward to this being all behind me and to get back to the classroom where I can best serve my students and community,” said Masonjones.