PED Answers Questions On Expanded In-Person Learning NMPED News: The New Mexico Public Education Department on Tuesday released the answers to an expanded in-person learning for public schools frequently asked questions: When will my middle/high school open? The decision to expand in-person learning to secondary students is made by each local district or charter school’s governing board. The Public Education Department now permits all middle and high schools to reopen in a hybrid model beginning Feb. 8, as long as they meet requirements. However, they are not required to do so and may choose to remain in the remote learning mode.