SANTA FE, N.M. — An outside investigation into Santa Fe Public Schools found dozens of security cameras were recording audio across district facilities, including in at least one classroom, raising questions about who authorized the system and how widely administrators knew it was being used.
The investigation found 61 cameras were actively recording audio as of September 2025 and that roughly 1,000 additional cameras had audio capabilities that had not been activated. The cameras were located throughout the district, and recorded material was generally overwritten after about 30 days, according to findings from an investigation commissioned by the district.
The investigation began after employees raised concerns about a newly installed camera at the district’s Facilities and Maintenance building in September 2025. An installer told office manager Shanda Martinez the camera had audio capabilities, prompting questions among employees about whether conversations inside district buildings were being recorded.
Gabe Romero, a retired New Mexico State Police officer who worked for the district, filed a human resources complaint Sept. 17 raising concerns about the recordings. That same day, Superintendent Christine Griffin placed Executive Director of Safety and Security Mario Salbidrez and Deputy Director Mark Lewandowski on administrative leave. Both were terminated Feb. 9.
Investigators later found the audio system extended well beyond the maintenance facility. Salbidrez told Griffin that audio-capable cameras had been installed in about 98% of district buildings. At least one camera capable of recording audio was located in a classroom at El Camino Real Academy, according to the investigation.
The report also found the district’s use of audio-enabled cameras dated to at least 2021, when cameras were installed at Capital High School, Santa Fe High School and Milagro Middle School. Former Superintendent Veronica García told investigators she did not authorize audio recording and was unaware the cameras had that capability.
Salbidrez, meanwhile, told investigators former Superintendent Hilario “Larry” Chavez approved a broader initiative known as the “Front Office Project” following a November 2024 meeting. Chavez denied approving audio devices, and investigators reported finding no documentation from Salbidrez or Lewandowski establishing authorization for the project.
Investigators also found folders containing recordings that had been shared with district administrators. One February 2025 file involving an incident at Aspen Community School was shared with Chavez and Assistant Superintendent Felicia Sena. Another recording involving a counselor at Nina Otero Community School was sent to district general counsel Joshua Granata and a human resources employee.
Granata told investigators he had not been asked to evaluate the legality of audio recording and denied using audio recordings in disciplinary matters, according to the report.
The investigation also scrutinized district spending on security equipment. Santa Fe Public Schools spent about $7.1 million in non-grant security funding during fiscal years 2023 through 2025, with an additional $630,000 coming from grants. Investigators found some camera purchases were made through blanket purchase orders intended for maintenance and repairs rather than new installations.
Board President Kate Noble said the board opposes audio-enabled surveillance cameras. District officials have since said audio-enabled cameras are no longer operating in district facilities.
The matter has been referred to law enforcement for a criminal investigation, Granata said. The district has also faced notice of potential civil litigation related to the recordings. Whether the surveillance violated New Mexico law remains unresolved.
