Molly Smith, an experienced reporter on the U.S.-Mexico border, has joined El Paso Matters, where she will focus on education coverage.

“I’m excited to explore how state decisions affect education along the border, as well as how local government decisions impact school systems and education,” Smith said.

Smith has been a reporter for the El Paso Times and The (McAllen) Monitor. She’s covered education, criminal justice and local government. A Seattle native, she’s lived in Texas since 2014, with stops in Austin, the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso.

“We’re thrilled that Molly will be reporting for El Paso Matters on perhaps the most crucial topic for our community, our schools,” El Paso Matters founder and CEO Robert Moore said. “While at the El Paso Times, she broke several important stories that deepened public understanding about education. Her skills are a great match for our focus on in-depth and investigative reporting.”

While Smith will focus on education, she’ll also provide coverage of elections and other key topics.

She’s asking for your help in shaping how she covers education. Take a minute and fill out her survey.