Albuquerque Public Schools
Outstanding October Employees
This month's honorees include a principal secretary, a program manager and a head custodian.
Albuquerque Public Schools is proud of the many dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support students. Now in its ninth year, the Employee Recognition Program honors these outstanding staff members.
October’s Honorees
Candi Bur
Joann Sanchez
Lawrence Tenorio
This recognition is made possible through the support of TIG/Pellara and the APS Education Foundation, which partner each month to celebrate outstanding APS support staff. The honorees will be featured on APS electronic billboards around town and honored at a reception. They will also receive a lasting memento.
Candi Bur – Principal Secretary, McCollum Elementary School
At McCollum Elementary, Principal Secretary Candi Bur serves as a vital anchor for daily operations, earning the deep respect and appreciation of her colleagues. Having kept the school running smoothly for several years, Bur is known for her tireless work ethic and her ability to navigate complex administrative processes while guiding staff and visitors through them with ease. Her proactive approach ensures that the campus operates efficiently every single day, making her an indispensable member of the McCollum community.
Bur brings immense heart to her role, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through the office doors. The strong bond she shares with the student body is evident in how warmly they interact with her daily. As her nominator shared, "Candi goes far beyond the duties of her job. She is absolutely incredible at keeping this school running. She is the heart, hands and feet of our school." Her steadfast dedication and care make her a truly deserving recipient of this month’s recognition.
Joann Sanchez – Manager, APS Federal & State Programs
Joann Sanchez has spent three decades serving APS with extraordinary dedication, building a legacy of financial stewardship and leadership that has directly impacted generations of students. As manager of federal & state programs, Sanchez built the Medicaid School Based Services team from a single-person effort into a robust department with eight team members and 11 social workers. Over her 30-year career, she and her team have generated approximately $300 million in revenue for the district, securing vital funds that directly support essential student services across the community.
With a meticulous attention to detail, Sanchez has established an exceptional standard of compliance, navigating complex federal and state regulations so effectively that the program has maintained a flawless record through quarterly audits for 30 years. As Sanchez prepares for retirement, her nominator noted, “Her continued dedication to Albuquerque Public Schools has improved the Medicaid reimbursement processes to bring in the most funding possible, which provides numerous services for students.”
Lawrence Tenorio – Head Custodian, Lew Wallace Elementary School
For Head Custodian Lawrence Tenorio, keeping Lew Wallace Elementary spotless and welcoming is a true labor of love. Tenorio holds himself and his team to exceptionally high standards, ensuring that both the school building and grounds are meticulously maintained. What truly sets him apart is his willingness to step up to take on extra tasks and devote additional time to mentoring and training new custodial staff, creating a cohesive, well-run environment where staff and students alike can thrive.
Tenorio’s positive presence is felt by the entire school community, where he is revered for his warm demeanor, excellent attendance and uplifting attitude. He makes a point to connect with students, who all know him by name and look forward to his ready smile. As his principal highlighted, "He wants school to be like home for all who come into our doors," and he achieves it through his deep pride in his craft.
Nominate an APS employee who’s making a difference today! Learn more and submit your nominations on the APS Employee Recognition Program website.