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Outstanding October Employees

Posted October 10, 2024, 11:35 AM. Updated October 22, 2024, 4:54 PM.

This month's honorees include a salvage receiving clerk, a compliance coordinator, a technology educational assistant, and an electrician.

Albuquerque Public Schools has many dedicated professionals who devote their time and talent to helping the district meet the needs of students.

For the seventh year, the district recognizes at least a few of these outstanding employees through the Employee Recognition Program.

All staff members employed for at least six months can be nominated, though we ask that you not nominate yourself.

October’s Honorees

  • Scott Hinken
  • Jennifer Lucero-Montoya
  • Armando Reyes
  • Harold Valdez

The honorees are being featured on APS electronic billboards around town and will be honored at a reception. They also will receive a lasting memento.

Nominate an APS employee!

Scott Hinken – Salvage/Receiving Clerk, Materials Management Warehouse and Surplus

When an educational assistant needed a few extra stools for students in a wood shop class, she reached out to Scott Hinken who works at the APS warehouse where extra furniture is stored. The warehouse didn’t have what she was looking for, but the educational assistant asked Hinken to keep an eye out for any.

A year later, that shop class needed another stool, so the educational assistant again contacted Hinken, who had put several stools aside for the class.

“He asked me about our classroom,” she said. “And he took interest in our wood shop students. As I described how we needed a specific style of stool to accommodate one student, Scott went to find that style.”

During their conversation, the educational assistant mentioned that their classroom was next to a Pre-K program. Hinken showed her the area of the warehouse where furniture for the youngest students is stored.

“He could have just helped me with the stools …, but he wanted to know about our students and even the ‘littles next door,’” she said. “This exhibited a passion for the job he does.”

Jennifer Lucero-Montoya – Compliance coordinator, Coordinated School Health Department

In the wake of the pandemic, the federal government set aside billions of dollars to help schools recover. APS received more than $400 million and invested it in such things as fencing and Centegix crisis alert badges to bolster school safety, air conditioning and air filtration systems, staff training, additional collaboration time for teachers at TOPS schools, academic enrichment through Genius Hour, and before- and after-school programs.

Working behind the scenes to ensure the funding was spent on appropriate projects and that all necessary protocols were followed was Jennifer Lucero-Montoya, who, at the time, was the fiscal and compliance point person for the funding.

“Jennifer collaborated with almost every district department, problem-solved complex projects and processes at the school, department, district, state, and federal levels, and most importantly worked tirelessly to make sure the funding was available for critical projects, which will support APS students for years to come,” her new boss said.

“She understands that her efforts are about the students,” she added. “She stays focused on establishing and maintaining productive working partnerships with others (focusing on) our district’s mission, goals, and guardrails. She wants to make a difference and it shows in her attitude and work.” 

Armando Reyes – Technology Educational Assistant, Coronado Dual Language Magnet School

At Coronado Dual Language Magnet School, Armando Reyes is known for his exceptional dedication and commitment to his school community. He frequently arrives an hour early, takes on additional responsibilities, and is regularly helping teachers, parents, and staff outside of school hours.

Then there’s his “infectious positive attitude.” A STEAM teacher at Coronado notes that he dances with a smile during student drop-off, ensuring that students start their day on a high note.

“His constant support and genuine kindness have made a significant impact on our school community,” the STEAM teacher says. “His dedication and positive presence have been a source of inspiration, and his contributions have consistently elevated the image of public education.”

Harold Valdez – Electrician, Maintenance & Operations

As an electrician with the APS Maintenance & Operations Department, Harold Valdez is called on to handle service requests at more than 140 schools and other APS facilities. Despite the sprawling area he covers, Valdez goes the extra mile.

Take his work at Chaparral Elementary School last month. He was sent to replace a fluorescent light bulb in one of the portables, but when he got there, he saw how dim the portable was, so he replaced all the bulbs in it.

Impressed by his willingness to step up, the school's physical therapist mentioned a faulty ceiling tile in a nearby portable and asked if he could help. A leak caused half of the ceiling tile to crumble, exposing insulation.

“He came into P5 to examine the tile and told me he wouldn’t leave it like that,” the physical therapist said. “He then drove to another school to get a new ceiling tile, returned to Chaparral, removed the remaining portion of the ceiling tile, cut the new tile to fit, and placed it into the hole.”

He was also able to identify the source of the leak, which will allow the school to submit a work order to get that issue addressed.

“He went above and beyond,” the physical therapist added.

How to nominate an employee

You can nominate an employee by filling out the Employee Recognition online application. Nominations must be completed by someone other than the nominee. Self-nominations are not eligible for consideration.

Award recipients will be selected monthly by a Peer Praise Task Force.