News from the Superintendent: October 5, 2009

October 4, 2009

Good afternoon.

So, today the real work begins. Now that we know that the New Mexico Public Education Department has certified Albuquerque Public Schools’ with a 63.2 percent cohort graduation rate, we have to rethink our goals and set them higher.

I’m proud of what you all have been able to accomplish, and I believe this new rate is a better reflection of the hard work you have done. As I told the media on Friday, we’re not at the mountaintop yet, but we’re also not in the valley. I’m proposing that we raise the goals each year so that we will reach a 76 percent rate by 2012. Right now we’re above the state average and we need to stay there. I believe we have the students, teachers and staff in place to make that happen.

You’ve probably heard about where budget cuts were going to be made in light of a publicized letter to superintendents from two state senators. First of all, I don’t believe we’ll have to make cuts as drastic as 10 percent. From what other sources have told me, it should be more like 3 to 5 percent.

The ideas you have read about came from my office, and it’s because everything is on the table at this point. However, nothing is set in stone. They are just ideas right now. If we cut salaries by 1 percent across the board, for example, that would save the district about $5.3 million. A one-day furlough (time off without pay) would save $2 million per day. If we were allowed to shift some capital and stimulus funds over to operational use, that could save as much as $24 million.

We’re talking about everything, but won’t know for sure what we need to do until after the legislative special session later this month. I appreciate the suggestions from employees such as moving to a four-day week, and we’ll continue to look at all the options. I do read your suggestions and thank you for your input.

The state also certified AYP results on Friday. This is significant because APS now has another school on the list. Congratulations to Dennis Chavez Elementary students and staff for making AYP this year. The state has also corrected the designation for Atrisco Heritage Academy High School.

There are also three individuals who have earned accolades recently, and I would like to take a moment to congratulate them. Helen Fox of the APS Homeless Project has received the 2009 Queen Smith Award for commitment to urban public education from the Council of Great City Schools. This is a national award.

Deborah Elder, principal at Zuni Elementary, has received the 2009 Leadership in Literacy Award from the Southwest Branch of The International Dyslexia Association for her efforts to promote literacy and her work with students with special needs.

Dr. Sandra Simons-Ailes, a teacher at Monte Vista Elementary, is the first recipient of the inaugural Pepsi APS Teacher of the Month Award. This new award recognizes APS teachers for their “outstanding contribution to the classroom, school and community.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. APS is proud of all three of you.

Have a great week and a nice fall break.

Winston Brooks
Superintendent