Aguilera v. Board of Education of the Hatch Valley Schools

OPINION

BOSSON, Chief Justice.

{1} Pursuant to a reduction in force (RIF) arising from a district-wide financial shortfall, Plaintiff Cari I. Aguilera, a certified arts teacher with the Hatch Valley Schools, was discharged during the term of her contract. Under the New Mexico School Personnel Act, a certified teacher may only be discharged for “just cause,” NMSA 1978, § 22-10A-27(A) (2003), defined as “a reason that is rationally related to an employee’s competence or turpitude or the proper performance of his duties,” NMSA 1978, § 22-10A-2(F) (2003). Ms. Aguilera was not charged with any…