FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Dyrcz
October 2, 2025 505-554-8679

Gallup – McKinley County Federation of United School Employees, AFT New Mexico Local #3313, released the following statement:

“We are proud to announce the endorsement of Georgianna Desiderio for GMCS District 2 Board of Education, Martin O’Malley for GMCS District 4 Board of Education, and Dr. Val Wangler for GMCS District 5 Board of Education.

“This year’s election for Board of Education takes on added significance because of the upcoming search for a new GMCS superintendent, and each of these candidates offer an opportunity for a fresh start for GMCS governance and greater transparency and opportunities for engagement between our community, GMCS educators, and parents.

“Additionally, each have committed to build greater collaboration between the school board our community and the educators and staff of GMCS to improve the working and learning conditions of our District.

“We believe each will work to keep the mission of GMCS student focused through accountability and fidelity to the Yazzie/Martinez decision, adopting policies to reduce teacher turnover, respecting laws surrounding Indian education, ensuring accessibility for students who need educational accommodations, and by enacting District policies which seek to keep our students in school instead of pushing them away through excessive discipline.

“We urge Gallup-McKinley County Schools parents and the wider community to make their voices heard by choosing to support candidates who want to return our students to the center of our decision-making process.”