ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque Public Schools is facing a lawsuit involving a former Cibola High School teacher who has been permanently barred from teaching in New Mexico.
The lawsuit centers on Melissa Lucero, 43, who is accused of grooming students and allegedly beginning sexual relationships with them shortly after they turned 18.
According to the lawsuit, administrators at Cibola High School were aware of concerns about Lucero’s behavior but failed to take appropriate action.
Earlier this year, the New Mexico Public Education Department permanently revoked Lucero’s teaching credentials after determining she engaged in:
- Professional misconduct
- Ethical misconduct
- Acts of moral turpitude
The lawsuit alleges that despite prior warning signs, Lucero remained in a position where she had access to students.
APS declined to comment on the allegations because of the pending litigation but said it will address the claims through the legal process. The district did not confirm whether any previous complaints had been made against Lucero.
Under New Mexico law, sexual contact between a teacher and a student is a criminal offense if the student is between the ages of 14 and 18.
The allegations raised in the lawsuit have not been proven in court, and the case remains pending.
