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Policy and Politics and the Undermining of Public Education in Puerto Rico

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This year’s UCEA Convention features a timely and powerful special session that explores how public K–12 and higher education in Puerto Rico have been undermined by political and systemic forces. Drawing on the 2024 White House Commission visit to the island and ongoing federal advocacy efforts, this interactive session will feature members of the Biden Administration and White House Commissioners who will discuss challenges such as centralized political control over school leadership, privatization of education funding, and significant losses in public school enrollment and staffing. While Puerto Rico serves as a warning sign for education policy across the U.S., the session also offers hope through examples of resilient organizing, public partnerships, and policy recommendations. Participants will gain insights into the broader implications for educational equity and governance nationwide.
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Friday, November 21, 2025

  • 1:20 – 2:30 p.m. | Policy and Politics and the Undermining of Public K-12 and Public Higher Education in Puerto Rico: Lessons and Implications for La Isla del Encanto and the Rest of the U.S.

Featured Workshop Sessions

  • Policy and Politics and the Undermining of Public Education in Puerto Rico

    Towards the end of the Joe Biden presidency, the White House Initiative and Presidential Advisory Commission for Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics, in partnership with then-Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, advocated for public education in Puerto Rico. Their visit to the Island in September 2024 focused on understanding and addressing political and systemic challenges—including the politicization of K–12 leadership and increasing privatization of K–12 and higher education. Recommendations emerged to reverse the significant losses in funding, enrollment, and the educator workforce (in some cases, over 50%). This session brings together commissioners and members of the Biden administration to explore lessons and implications for public education both in Puerto Rico and across the United States.

    Cristóbal Rodríguez

    Cristóbal Rodríguez

    Cristóbal Rodríguez is a scholar of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with deep experience in advocacy, educational equity, and Latino/a/x student success. His research and leadership reflect culturally responsive leadership and systemic reform.

    Panelists
    Chris Soto

    Chris Soto

    Senior Advisor to the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona

    Chris Soto has served at multiple levels of government and nonprofit sectors, including as a Connecticut state legislator and founder of Higher Edge, a college-access nonprofit.

    Melody Gonzales

    Melody Gonzales

    2021–2025 Executive Director, White House Initiative for Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence & Economic Opportunity for Hispanics

    Melody brings federal, state, and union-based experience to her current leadership role in the Biden administration. Her policy advocacy spans education equity, interagency collaboration, and Latino representation.

    Ana María García Blanco

    Ana María García Blanco

    2022–2025 White House Commissioner, Executive Director, Instituto Nueva Escuela

    An educator and Montessori advocate, Ana María has transformed dozens of Puerto Rican public schools through community-driven, justice-centered governance and pedagogy.

    Havidán Rodríguez

    Havidán Rodríguez

    2022–2025 White House Commissioner, President, University at Albany (SUNY)

    As the first Hispanic president of a SUNY four-year institution, Dr. Rodríguez leads equity-focused innovations in research, disaster resilience, and Latino/a student success.

    Andrea Zayas

    Andrea Zayas

    2022–2025 White House Commissioner, Chief of Collaboration & Partnerships, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

    Andrea Zayas is a systems thinker and education equity advocate with leadership experience in Boston Public Schools, the NYC Department of Education, and the nonprofit sector.