Superintendent's News

In last week’s message, I mistakenly wrote that some of us would be saying Good Riddance to the 2022-2023 school year (a typo caused by a lot of next year planning.) In no way was I writing off a year that hasn’t begun—quite the opposite. I am looking forward to August, the return of students, and the promise of another school year.

But let’s wrap up this one first. And then, let’s catch our breath.

The 2021-2022 school year was a good one. Maybe I’ll get pushback on that sentiment. But I know what I know.

Students learned to read this year.

They learned to solve problems, hypothesize, calculate, and experiment. 

Many of our students now speak another language or play an instrument. Some can cook or weld, code or paint, dribble or act. The number of skills our students obtained this year is countless.

Under the tutelage of our dedicated teachers and school staff, our students spent the year rehearsing and performing, practicing and competing, exploring and reaching out to their communities. They applied and got accepted into college. They earned scholarships.

And thousands of our students graduated, most with big ol’ smiles on their faces in celebrations attended by family, friends, and schoolmates who will soon follow in their footsteps.

That’s all good. 

We taught these kids to work together, think outside the box, and get out of their comfort zones. We helped them find their voice. We provided counseling, therapy, and support as needed. We fed them, checked on them, and kept them safe. We guided and supported their families.

We believed in them so that they could believe in themselves. 

That’s all very good.

The talented Albuquerque Public Schools workforce made all of this possible, our frontline employees—teachers, educational assistants, principals, and school staff—and all who work behind the scenes, as well, to support students, families, and colleagues.

Some of you are about to embark on a well-earned break. Others will work through the summer. If you’re like me, you’ll do a little bit of both.

Whatever your plans, I hope you find time to care for yourself. Reset, refresh, renew. Then, let’s meet back here with the commitment to making the 2022-2023 school year the best one yet for our students, ourselves, and the Albuquerque community. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and we need you at your best.

Happy summer!