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ALBUQUERQUE, NM – This morning, the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education announced that Dr. Gabriella Durán Blakey will serve as the next Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). The unanimous decision comes after an extensive nationwide search that drew interest from two-dozen qualified applicants.
“We look forward to supporting Superintendent Blakey in delivering the improved student outcomes promised in the APS Strategic Plan,” said Amanda Aragon, Executive Director of NewMexicoKidsCAN. “Turning Albuquerque Public Schools around will require bold, student-centered leadership. We trust Dr. Blakey will rise to the occasion.”
Dr. Blakey has worked in Albuquerque Public Schools for over 20 years. With a salary of $295,000, her appointment comes with a two-year contract. Dr. Blakey will lead the implementation of the APS Strategic Plan: Emerging Stronger, with a primary focus on improving academic outcomes for the district’s 68,000 students.
The APS Superintendent search process involved extensive community engagement, including community forums, surveys with over 7,000 participants, and feedback from more than 450 written comments during the forums.
Dr. Gabriella Durán Blakey will assume the role of Superintendent on July 1, succeeding Superintendent Scott Elder, who completes his term on June 30.
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About NewMexicoKidsCAN: Launched in 2018, NewMexicoKidsCAN is a local non-profit organization that advocates for community-informed, student-centered and research-backed education policies. Connecting policy, instructional practice and politics the organization works to reimagine what is possible in New Mexico’s public education system to ensure New Mexico students become the future community, civic and business leaders New Mexico needs.