Education and politics are colliding this year in the run-up to midterm elections, with the latest example happening in the Land of Enchantment. 

Last week in New Mexico, a district court judge ruled that the state is depriving at-risk students – those who are low income, English language learners, Native American, or have a disability – of their right to a sufficient education and therefore is in violation of its constitution. (A Michigan judge ruled the opposite way earlier this month.)

New Mexico has until April 2019 to rectify the situation. The state indicated this week it will appeal the decision, prompting the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor to weigh in. 

New Mexico has one of the highest child poverty rates in the country and ranks among the lowest for high school graduation rates and test scores. The state says it already invests enough in education, reportedly spending $2.8 billion out of a $6.3 billion general fund budget.

This positions the needs – and, in this case, rights – of students against the demands of fiscal responsibility. And it raises other issues as well, as an editorial from the Santa Fe New Mexican suggests: “Unless solutions help compensate for poverty, we will make no progress no matter how many dollars we spend.” 

Other states are facing similar prospects, with funding initiatives on ballots and teachers running for office. Whether these will address the financial shortfalls affecting education remains to be seen. But it's worth paying attention to. 

Here are our five stories for today.