N.M. Stat. § 22-2-1 : — PUBLIC SCHOOLSPUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND COMMISSION —2-1 - Secretary and department; general powers TEXT PDF A. The secretary is the governing authority and shall have control, management and direction of all public schools, except as otherwise provided by law. B. The department may: (1) adopt, promulgate and enforce rules to exercise its authority and the authority of the secretary; (2) enter into contracts to carry out its duties; (3) apply to the district court for an injunction, writ of mandamus or other appropriate relief to enforce the provisions of the Public School Code [Chapter 22 [except Article 5A] NMSA 1978] or rules promulgated pursuant to the Public School Code; and (4) waive provisions of the Public School Code as authorized by law. NMS § 22-2-1 1978 Comp., § 22-2-1, enacted by Laws 1990 (1st S.S.), ch. 9, § 10; 1992, ch. 77, § 1; 1993, ch. 226, § 2; 2003, ch. 143, § 2; 2004, ch. 27, § 14.