We’re the CREC
Who We Are
The Central Region Educational Cooperative (REC 5) is one of New Mexico’s ten regional service agencies, created in 1984 to help schools work together and share resources. Governed by its member entities, we collaborate to strengthen teaching and learning across the state.
Who We Serve
Today, we support 12 educational entities—including 7 school districts, 1 charter school, and 4 state-supported educational programs, as well as reaching countless other schools, educators, and students through our diverse programs.
What We Do
We provide cost-effective ancillary services, high-quality professional learning, and fiscal and program management for statewide initiatives in partnership with the NM Public Education Department, the Early Childhood Education & Care Department, the Commission for the Blind, and sister RECs. Guided by local needs, we collaborate, adapt, and innovate for every community we serve.
Learn more about the statewide network at NMRECA.
Meet Maria Jaramillo, Our Executive Director
At CREC, we understand the unique challenges rural schools face. Our mission is to close the gap between what our member districts need for their students and families, and the resources they can access locally or statewide.
“We are here for our members, and most importantly, we are all here for the kids.”
We accomplish this by connecting our members with a variety of educational tools and resources such as professional learning, ancillary services, and program support.
We believe in flexibility and partnership: every district, school, and child has distinct needs.
Our Mission
To deliver and support efficient and effective educational and support services for CREC members — assisting them in providing quality education for students of all abilities.