Superintendent's News

George Floyd Memorial, Photo by Lorie Shaull

Dear APS Community,

We join the nation today in raising our voices in support of peace, equity, and unity. However you may feel about the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial, we should all agree it is in our best interest to be respectful of one another and remember our reactions in difficult times like these reflect our individual life experiences -- no two the same.

Our students will be bombarded in the coming days with images and commentary they may not understand. As educators, we must keep a watchful eye on our students and provide safe and neutral guidance as they process the events taking place in real-time. There is no manual for situations such as those we’ve been thrust into over the past year, but we know listening with an open mind and without judgment is critical.  

This nation won’t forget George Floyd. His tragic death has sparked conversations that will need to continue about the wounds caused by institutional and systemic racism. We will never achieve racial justice by being silent. 

Our students learn by example. It is up to us to show them that violence and vitriol only create more pain in our lives, while respect and dignity are always the right choices.

Our message shared at the time of George Floyd’s death remains the same today: No one should ever fear for their life because of their race, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or disability. But, the tragedies we’ve seen play out tell us the fear is real.

As one of the leaders of our nation’s urban public schools, I am committed to ensuring that our schools are safe havens where all children are respected and nurtured, where all children can achieve and grow, and where all children are guaranteed equity and justice. 

Thank you for your support of our school community.

Scott Elder
Superintendent, Albuquerque Public Schools