News from the Superintendent: February 23, 2009

February 22, 2009

Dear APS Community Member,

The Board of Education meets today in an orientation session primarily designed for the three new members elected earlier this month. This is where they will hear about what really makes APS tick; they will hear from heads of various areas including academics, operations, finance and school and community support. It is a lot of information to absorb, but I’m sure they are eager to get started and learn all they can about the district.

The full board will meet at 5 p.m. tonight in the John Milne Community Board Room in regular session. Following the meeting, four departing board members will be honored for their service at a public reception. I would like to take a moment to thank each one personally for their service.

Jon Barela joined the board by appointment in September, and really had to learn on the fly. Though he didn’t stay long, he made an impact by his willingness to reach out to community groups to address their concerns.

Gordon Rowe, whom Mr. Barela succeeded, also will be recognized at the reception. I have said it publicly before, but I’m grateful to Mr. Rowe for being part of the board that gave me the opportunity to become the superintendent and I appreciate all of his support.

Berna Facio is stepping down after two terms. She leaves the board still enormously popular in her North Valley district, where she appeared at community functions too numerous to count and has been a vocal advocate for children from impoverished backgrounds.

And, finally, Mary Lee Martin is leaving the board after an incredible 22 years, the past one as board president. To put it in perspective, the district’s student body from kindergarten through 12th grade has turned over nearly two complete times during her tenure. That’s a lot of committee meetings and phone calls from constituents. Though I have only known her for about a year, I have come to rely on her tremendous depth of knowledge. I really feel that I know APS because of her. I’m indebted to her for helping me get off to a good start as superintendent.

You are invited to join the rest of the APS community at the reception tonight to thank these four individuals who have been so dedicated to the success of students and generous with their time.

Later this week, the district will begin looking at how funds from the newly approved federal stimulus package will affect APS. Funds will come in over two years and are earmarked primarily for Title I schools and special education. They will be a tremendous help as we continue to work through budget issues in anticipation of flat or reduced state allocations. However, it is important to remember that because these are one-time funds, they will help support existing programs rather than start new ones.

You may have heard news reports saying the state auditor believes some state agencies, including APS, are not adequately prepared to receive the stimulus funds. While it is true that our chief financial officer is leaving the district in about two weeks, there is a strong finance team in place to handle the process. The directors of the programs involved are already accustomed to dealing with federal funding and the sound infrastructure will help the process go smoothly.

Have a great week.

Sincerely,

Winston Brooks, Superintendent
Albuquerque Public Schools