SANTA FE – Secretary Karen Trujillo was removed Monday from her role at the Public Education Department.

The Lujan Grisham administration has begun a nationwide search. Deputy Public Education Secretary Kara Bobroff will serve as interim secretary.

“I want to thank Karen for her work these recent months,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “Unfortunately my expectations were not met in a number of areas. It is absolutely imperative that we genuinely transform public education in this state. We must identify a vibrant and ambitious new leader for the Public Education Department as quickly as we possibly can. The well-being of New Mexico’s students, parents and educators remains the top priority of this administration.”