**Baja California Advances in Filling Basic Education Vacancies**
In the region of Baja California, efforts to maintain full coverage in basic education are ongoing with daily classes held in 2,737 out of 2,750 public schools. The state government, through the Secretariat of Education, is actively working with federal and state entities to address the teacher shortages and ensure that each educational institution has the necessary staff.
Luis Gilberto Gallego Cortez, the Secretary of Education, emphasized that the state is committed to providing free and secular education to students from preschool through secondary school, aligning with the mandates of the Mexican Constitution. Despite the current challenges, such as labor strikes at 13 schools—primarily caused by teacher shortages—the government is taking strides to improve the situation.
According to Gallego Cortez, Baja California’s educational system is supported by over 36,000 education workers, including 27,000 teachers and nearly 10,000 support staff. A significant number of these employees are on active licenses or working without full budget allotment. Recent government actions have funded 672 interim positions and over 3,700 class hours through the Educational Payroll Fund (FONE). However, approximately 157 interim personnel are still without budget allocation.
Efforts continue to resolve these issues and achieve 100% teacher coverage across schools in the state.
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**Additional Article: Challenges and Developments in Baja California’s Education Sector**
Teacher shortages in Baja California have prompted actions from various stakeholders, including parents and government bodies, to address educational needs. Recent protests, such as parents taking over the Edouard Seguin preschool and the involvement of secondary school teachers in labor strikes, highlight the urgency of the situation.
Though strides have been made with over 3,700 class hours funded and interim positions filled, gaps remain, impacting 157 interim teachers and over 1,500 class hours that lack budgetary support. The local government is under pressure to ensure full teacher deployment across all public schools, as highlighted by recent parental protests in Tijuana.
The structural issues in the educational system, compounded by limited budget allocations, remain a focal point for government reform efforts. Initiatives are underway to secure more substantial and consistent funding to prevent disruptions and maintain educational standards in Baja California’s public schools.