APS board narrowly approves governance-commitment resolution after extended debate

The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education voted to adopt a board governance-commitment resolution on June 3, 2026, after extended debate over the board’s role, the label “student outcome focused governance” and how the board should engage with staff and the public.

Board member Benvitas moved the resolution and said it is intended to refocus the board on oversight and clarify responsibilities so the district can move more efficiently. Supporters described it as a practical way to separate governance from day-to-day management and to build a unified approach to the district’s goals and guardrails.

Several board members asked for changes or expressed reservations. Rebecca Benson said she supports student outcomes but does not support the specific phrase “student outcome focused governance” and asked for amendments to preserve the board’s ability to hear directly from school staff. Board member Rikia Bowman said she was uncomfortable with the terminology and wanted confirmation that the governance manual would be revised so the board’s responsibilities (including budget oversight) were clear. Board member Courtney Jackson and others said they supported the resolution’s intent but wanted follow-up work, including additional coaching and possible revisions to the manual.

Superintendent Duran Blakey and staff told board members the resolution reflects the governance model the district is currently operating under; Blakey encouraged members who disagreed to research alternative frameworks so the board could consider changes with a replacement plan. Members discussed timing and noted that formal revisions to the governance manual would follow the policy process and that some changes would require additional briefing and time.

After floor amendments and discussion, the board approved the resolution in a roll call: Danella Stoga, Joshua Martinez, Benvitas, Courtney Jackson and President Ronaldo Tommorito voted yes; Rebecca Benson and Rikia Bowman voted no. The motion carried 5–2.

Votes at a glance

- Governance-commitment resolution (item 7.1): approved 5–2 (Stoga, Martinez, Benvitas, Jackson, Tommorito yes; Benson, Bowman no).
- Consent agenda and progress monitoring (guardrails): approved by roll call.
- Multiple finance and grant items (7.2–7.12, 7.14–7.18): approved by roll call (see provenance below for segments and recorded roll-call lines).

Why it matters

Board members said the resolution is intended to reduce micromanagement, focus the board on the district’s four goals, and provide clearer expectations for public engagement and staff follow-up. Dissenting members said the measure, as written, risks limiting board members’ ability to seek information from schools and stressed the need to protect budget oversight and community access.

What’s next

Members asked for additional coaching and for the governance manual to be reconsidered on a timetable that allows public review. The board also discussed the calendar for organizational policy changes and the process required under the New Mexico Open Meetings Act to change meeting schedules, if the board chooses to do so in the future.