Throughout the state of New Mexico, many educational benefits can be attributed to the success of oil and gas.
From the ground level of kindergarten up through higher education, over $1 billion is poured every year into our public education systems. Today, we bring to the foreground perspectives on The Land Grant Permanent Fund, Carlsbad Municipal Schools, Mack Chase Scholarships, and Artesia Public Schools.
The Land Grant Permanent Fund
by Jim Townsend,
State Representative, District 54
The Land Grant Permanent Fund (LGPF) is one of the best-kept secrets in Santa Fe. This endowment was created in 1912 when New Mexico entered statehood. The fund helps children in public schools and state universities and also helps fund our State Special Schools (schools for the visually impaired and those with hearing loss). The LGPF saves each taxpayer in New Mexico approximately $2,000 annually. Without it, each of us would be required to pay additional taxes to fund these schools. This growing fund and the industries that support it are critical to our state and each of us as taxpayers.
The LGPF holds a treasure of support for New Mexico’s children. As one of the United States’ largest endowments, the LGPF will produce more than $1.3B this year for our children’s education. If it was not for this growing endowment created by royalty payments from producers of nonrenewable natural resources, each taxpayer, individual and corporate, would certainly feel the increasing tax burden.
The New Mexico State Land Office oversees the collection of these royalty payments every month. The constant flow, primarily from oil and gas, makes funding education much more stable. Revenues from all non-renewables including potash, caliche, and water also benefit the LGPF, but make no mistake, oil and gas industries pay the lion’s share into the fund and have consistently for years. Without the oil and gas industry, we would not have an LGPF like this one. Very few states have such a blessing.
Protecting this LGPF is of great importance to the future of New Mexico. In recent years there have been increases in the annual distribution from the fund which slows the growth of the fund. I believe one of the most important issues facing legislators annually is to protect this fund. Too many legislators have a difficult time leaving this alone and not spending it. The growth of this fund is of great benefit to the future of education and to taxpayers. This growth will provide education with constant and growing distributions as our state grows.
Carlsbad Municipal Schools
by LaVern Shan & Team
In the fall of 2023, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) joined forces with the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Carlsbad Municipal Schools (CMS), and other educational partners across the Permian Basin, ushering in a collaborative effort to shape the future of education in the region. The initiative aimed toward developing a secondary pathway focused on occupations in energy, oil and gas, and natural resources management. A comprehensive sector analysis and regional needs assessment were conducted, culminating in the creation of a steering committee. Comprising business and industry partners, postsecondary institutions, and state/regional stakeholders, the committee worked tirelessly to identify essential skills and certifications for the proposed career pathway.
The steering committee, representing New Mexico and Texas, played a pivotal role in refining the pathway’s focus. Initially targeting the “oil and gas” field, the language evolved to “energy,” encompassing both traditional and renewable sources. The committee’s discussions highlighted the potential for careers in environmental support and the management of natural resources, broadening the pathway’s scope.
An Energy and Natural Resources Pathway was approved and launched at Carlsbad High School after extensive collaboration. With 54 students enrolled in the inaugural course of a four-course sequence, the program received crucial financial support from industry partners. Funding aided in curriculum development, acquisition of instructional supplies, and purchase of equipment. Industry partners actively reviewed and validated standards, ensuring students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
Beyond the pathway initiative, industry partners demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education. Funding extended to STEM labs (Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation) in elementary and middle schools, programming costs for Opportunity Culture, leadership work facilitated by the Holdsworth Center, and support for National Board Certification for Teachers. Additionally bolstered by industry contributions, the Barbara Bush Foundation continues to provide elementary school students with books. In essence, Carlsbad’s schools are thriving through dynamic collaborations with industry partners shaping career pathways and investing in foundational education initiatives that empower students for a future of possibilities.
Mack Chase Scholarships
by Staci Guy
If you have lived in Artesia for any amount of time, you likely know the origins of the annual Chase Foundation Scholarship. In 2006, Mack Chase and his wife, Marilyn, decided to address the various needs of the community in the best way they knew how: by starting a foundation.
The Chase Foundation provides grants to not-for-profit organizations in Artesia and throughout the state, as well as scholarships for graduates of Artesia High School. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $22 million in scholarships to graduating seniors, with nearly 1,000 of those Chase Scholars graduating from a college, university, or trade school. As impressive as those numbers are, it is safe to say that none of it would be possible without the enormous impact of the oil and gas industry on the region and, more specifically, the Chase family.
When he was just 14 years old, Mack Chase started working on a pulling unit in the oilfield. That was the beginning of what would eventually become a legendary career in the oil and gas industry. While Chase never attended college, his education came in the form of hard work, a willingness to learn from those around him, vision, and unmatched perseverance. He spent decades working, learning, and growing.
Despite never personally attending college, Chase knew and appreciated the importance of education and understood the indispensable role it plays in the overall success of a community. Philanthropy was always a part of his life, and as he amassed greater wealth, Chase wanted to use his fortune to help students in the community realize their goals of obtaining a college education without the burden of financial stress. While it is nearly impossible to quantify the amount of good he accomplished with his generosity, it is safe to say that his heart for philanthropy, plus his dogged determination in the oil and gas industry, have helped shape the future of Artesians for generations to come.
Artesia Public Schools
by Danny Parker
The oil and gas industry contributes over 40% of New Mexico’s entire budget. But the contribution does not stop with the tax bill. The industry continues its contribution to southeastern New Mexico schools through monetary contributions to activities and athletics, facilities and sports needs, and academics and classroom presentations. Through contributions from Artesia’s industry partners, the Artesia Public Schools are able to hire additional teachers to keep class loads low, hire consultants to enhance our science programs, and provide valuable advice in our career and technical education offerings and curriculum.
In addition, the industry directly or indirectly employs most of our families. APS wants to contribute to the community by teaching all students the necessary skills to be employable and successful in today’s workforce while also giving students on a trades pathway the specific skills necessary to succeed in those markets. To serve the employment needs of our community, APS is currently working through a three-phase building program for our career and technical education (CTE) students. The following goals were developed to guide the building program:
- Support and Connection – Community, Students, Teachers, & Industry
- Create spaces that allow for expansion and customization for each CTE program
- Add new CTE program options for the students
- Highlight the school’s value that a trade school path is equal to a college/university path
- Immediate impact on the local skilled labor force
- Offer “real life” experiences, environments, and equipment
- Ability to offer certification programs in the future
Phase I improves the facilities used by our business classes, culinary offerings, marketing classes and DECA program, child development courses, and a state-of-the-art digital media program. The building will also house our life skills program that teaches basic skills to our students with special needs.
Construction for Phase II is scheduled to begin in 2025, contingent on funding and any unanticipated needs of the district. This 29,000 square foot building will house our gasoline and diesel automotive program, construction trades, CAD Design and Architecture/Drafting program, and a new-to-Artesia program—Oil & Gas/Energy program. We are so excited to develop this program with the help of our industry partners.
Plans for Phase III include the remodeling of the existing trades building. This building will eventually house our medical trades, fire science/EMT, nursing/sports medicine, and art.
None of this would be possible without a supportive industry. Through our programming and course offerings, the Artesia Public Schools want to help our students contribute to the workforce and the community as productive citizens.
Article written by Jim Townsend, LaVern Shan & Team, Staci Guy, and Danny Parker, originally published in Focus Regional 2024 Oil & Gas edition.
Jim Townsend
Jim is a native of Eddy County, married to Paula for 50 years and father to Trevor and Lindsay and they have three perfect grandchildren. Jim worked with Holly Corporation/Holly Energy Partners Corp either as an employee or a Board Member for nearly 35 years and has been a member of the New Mexico Legislature since 2015. Jim also serves as the Committeeman to the National Republican Committee.
LaVern Shan
LaVern Shan is a Carlsbad, New Mexico native with more than 30 years of experience in education. Her success demonstrates how education can change a person's life. LaVern has held various leadership roles and is currently the Deputy Superintendent of the Carlsbad Municipal School District where she prioritizes the well-being of students.
Staci Guy
Staci Guy is a freelance writer and digital marketing expert. She spent several years as a reporter for the Artesia Daily Press and as an Editorial Director for Focus Magazines, before transitioning back into the world of marketing. She has worked with the Chase Foundation for the past five years.
Danny Parker
Born and raised in Artesia, Danny Parker has served as an educator with the Artesia Public Schools since 1990. He is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education. He, and his wife Susie—the Artesia High School Choir Director—are the parents of Madison (20) and Jackson (17).
