Education officials face scrutiny over teacher shortages and administrative issues

During a legislative appearance regarding the Fifth Government Report, Deysi Maribel López Sierra, head of the State Secretariat of Education (SEGE), addressed several systemic challenges facing the educational sector. Key issues raised by legislators included a shortage of teaching staff, delays in filling vacancies caused by retirements or leaves, and the need for school reconstruction.

López Sierra reported a total enrollment of 794,827 students for the 2025-2026 cycle and noted a 486 million peso investment in infrastructure for 80 schools. She also highlighted an agreement for the federal government to assume financing for 3,577 state telesecundaria positions. However, lawmakers pointed to significant gaps in personnel, noting hundreds of unfilled positions and thousands of unassigned teaching hours dating back to 2021.