The geographic isolation creates extraordinary logistical hurdles. Many communities lack basic infrastructure like no grocery stores within 40 miles, no gas stations, and limited internet connectivity. According to Deputy Superintendent Jvanna Hanks, “Some of our families live with no electricity, no water, and haul water.They utilize propane and other fuel sources to run their homes.” The district has responded by installing Starlink satellite internet in remote schools and providing internet access for students who need it. Eighty percent of the district operates on tribal land, serving a predominantly Native American student population. This cultural richness adds depth to the district’s educational approach but requires sensitivity to traditional values while preparing students for modern careers. Rather than viewing these circumstances as insurmountable obstacles, district leadership has transformed them into catalysts for educational innovation, establishing Gallup-McKinley as a top-performing district in New Mexico. RETHINKING RURAL EDUCATION Gallup-McKinley County Schools has fundamentally reimagined rural education by developing a career pathways model that breaks from traditional collegecentric approaches. The initiative responds directly to local business concerns about workforce readiness while addressing the unique needs of students in isolated communities. “Our work originated many years ago when I heard from businesspeople in our community saying our students weren’t ready for work and lacked the skills needed to be successful,” Hyatt explains. “Coupled with experiences from different conferences and seeing schools doing things differently along the line of career pathways, that’s how it started.” The district has constructed a comprehensive model providing multiple post-graduation pathways like skilled trades, military service, and four-year college tracks. “Education needs a revolution,” says Hanks. “We need to view education as a continuum in individuals’ lives. There is not one path that equals success. There are multiple paths, and students just need to find the ones that are theirs.” 255 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS
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