APS schedules April 27 listening session on school safety after 180 survey responses

Albuquerque Public Schools officials told the Community Engagement Committee on April 21 that a listening session focused on school safety will rely on survey input gathered April 1–15.

Deputy Superintendent of Operations Dr. Antonio Gonzalez said the district received 180 responses during the survey period and that approximately 75% of respondents identified as employees while about 40% identified as parents. "We received 180 responses during that period of time. 75% of the respondents identified as employees while 40% of respondents identified as parents," Gonzalez said.

Staff described seven broad topics that will frame the April 27 presentation: the culture of care for students, behavior intervention, adult visibility and presence on campus, mental‑health supports for students and staff, bullying response systems, facilities access and control, and drug and alcohol prevention and intervention. Gonzalez said a cross‑departmental team prepared a short presentation and video that will summarize district efforts and survey findings before the committee fields questions.

On process, officials said the presentation will run roughly 15 minutes including the video and that the board will pose questions drawn from pre‑submitted survey questions; in‑person raised‑hand questions and index cards will also be available so community members can identify any unanswered concerns. "We are thinking about 15 minutes in total that will kind of be the pre‑information that will capture what we pulled from the survey," Gonzalez said.

Board members asked for clarity on whether the board or the public would ask questions. Staff said the board will read submitted public questions so that staff answers are presented through the board; staff also indicated willingness to adapt the format if committee members want more direct community dialogue.

The committee encouraged broad promotion and asked staff to share the presentation video afterward for community members who cannot attend. The April 27 listening session will be livestreamed and recorded.