La. educator named as director of new state office

The state Public Education Department announced Monday that Margaret Cage, a longtime Louisiana educator and school turnaround specialist, will serve as the new director of special education.

Cage started work Monday.

The appointment comes as officials work to establish the Public Education Department’s new Office of Special Education, created in May by an executive order from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham with the intention of improving services for the more than 50,000 students with disabilities in New Mexico’s public schools.

Cage will serve as the head of the Office of Special Education.

“I am elated to have been chosen for this position and for the opportunity to make a difference and impact the lives and communities of New Mexico,” Cage said in a news release announcing her new position.

With more than 25 years of experience as an educator, Cage has served as a teacher, instructional coach, school leader and school system administrator. She comes to New Mexico from Assumption Parish Schools in Louisiana — a district of just under 3,000 students west of New Orleans — where she supervised special education services.

Cage holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in educational leadership, as well as a certification in special education.

Public Education Department Secretary Arsenio Romero said Cage emerged as the department’s top choice after a nationwide search.

“She brings enthusiasm, experience and the will to get the work done. I am so excited she is here and ready to get to work,” Romero said in a news release.

Cage said she looks forward to making positive changes in New Mexico schools.

“I am always thinking about the possibilities, seeking solutions and committed to taking something that may not be positive and improving it,” she said.