External Organizations

APS Education Foundation

The board president serves on the board of the foundation, a 501(c) (3) that raises private support and public awareness of the district and its students through a variety of initiatives that supplement major programs: fine arts, middle/high school activities, literacy, and classroom teacher mini-grants. Danielle Gonzales represents the Board of Education.

Albuquerque Bernalillo County Community Schools Partnership

Two board members and the superintendent serve on the partnership, a joint powers agreement with the APS Board of Education, the Albuquerque City Council and mayor, the Bernalillo County Commission, United Way, Albuquerque Business Education Compact, and other community sponsors to work collaboratively to support the development of community schools in the district. The mission is to create cooperative working relationships with the business community, social service agencies, government agencies, faith-based organizations, civic groups, neighborhood associations, and post-secondary institutions that lead to increased family involvement and student academic achievement. The Partnership meets monthly. Janelle Astorga and Josefina Domínguez represent the Board of Education.

Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Commission

Two board members serve as non-voting members on the commission. The commission recommends processes to identify areas that can be more effectively coordinated; reviews and recommends any new or revised agreements between the city, county, and the district; provides policy guidance on areas governed by joint agreements, and reviews and recommends proposed legislation among the three entities that affects all jurisdictions. The Commission meets every other month. Heather Benavidez and Courtney Jackson represent the Board of Education.

Economic Forum

Board members are invited to participate in the bi-weekly forum, a non-partisan business leaders group dedicated to the continued improvement of the community. Its efforts involve educating and informing decision-makers from the business, government, and education sectors about significant issues and concerns facing the community. The fee to attend Economic Forum will be paid with board member professional development funds. 

Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce

Upon request, the board president attends meetings of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. The superintendent is an honorary board member. All board members are invited to attend events. The Chamber of Commerce works to make the community a place where businesses can grow and prosper and where people want to raise their families. Part of the organization’s mission is for Albuquerque to have a world-class education system. Danielle Gonzales represents the Board of Education.

Mid-Region Council of Government (MRCOG)

One board member and an alternate serve on the Mid-Region Council of Governments, a multi-county governmental agency that helps the region plan responsibly for future growth. Representing the counties of Bernalillo, Valencia, Torrance, and Sandoval, the council provides planning services in the areas of transportation, agriculture, workforce development, employment growth, land use, water, and economic development.  Josefina Domínguez represents the Board of Education. Janelle Astorga serves as the alternate.

This page was last updated on: March 18, 2022.