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The election is over, but our commitment to New Mexico’s students is stronger than ever.
This week’s Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education election brought both celebration and concern for those of us who believe in putting students first.
We are thrilled to see education champions Courtney Jackson and Joshua Martinez elected by strong margins. Their student-centered campaigns reflected the values we share: accountability, transparency, and an unwavering focus on improving outcomes for every child in Albuquerque Public Schools. Their victories show that parts of our community believe in leadership grounded in results, not rhetoric.
At the same time, we are deeply disappointed by the losses of Danielle Gonzales and David Ams. Danielle’s decades of experience transforming large urban districts and her leadership as APS Board President drove meaningful progress for our state’s largest district. Her role in the implementation of student-outcomes focused governance helped lay the foundation for rising reading scores across APS. Her absence will be felt deeply.
We are also incredibly proud of David Ams. His campaign was fueled by his own life-changing experience in public education and his deep passion for literacy and educational opportunity. His willingness to step forward and fight for our students is commendable.
Based on yesterday’s election results it appears we will not have a students-first majority for the next two years. Unfortunately, we know what that can mean for our kids. For decades, when a single special interest group controlled the board, decisions prioritized the comfort of adults over the needs of students. The result was mediocrity, stagnation, and frustration for families.
Over the past four years, we have seen something different – a bipartisan, student-focused board that drove real academic gains in reading and math. We are beginning to see the momentum Albuquerque’s students deserve. That progress is now at risk, but our resolve is not.
Nearly eight years ago, I founded NewMexicoKidsCAN to improve public education in New Mexico. Any suggestion otherwise is simply false. Our focus is and always will be on improving education for New Mexico’s kids and our unwavering belief that New Mexico Kids CAN succeed.
Let us be clear: our work does not stop here.
We will continue to stand for what we have always stood for: improving outcomes for every student at Albuquerque Public Schools and across New Mexico. We are committed to working with the new board where possible, holding it accountable where necessary, and always, always keeping students at the center.
Thank you for your continued belief in this work, standing up for kids, and for helping us build a better future for every APS student.