Albuquerque Public Schools
Frequently asked questions regarding employee pay, availability, working remotely, reporting to work, additional employment, children at work, tips for working at home, online professional development, and employee benefits.
Are APS employees getting paid while schools are closed?
Yes. Employees are being paid as usual during this time.
Do all employees need to be available during school closures?
Yes. Please check your work email on a daily basis and be available during the regular workday.
What remote work options are available for APS staff?
In order to allow for social distancing as recommended by public health officials, APS is allowing some employees to work from home. Staff may be required to perform limited duties remotely to maintain key functions of the district including but not limited to activities such as instruction, lesson development, curriculum development, staff supports, maintenance and operations and business office functions such as payroll.
Read the Public Education Department's Alternate Work Expectations for School Staff Members During Closure (PDF)
Who needs to report to work?
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a stay-at-home order and limited the number of public gatherings to no more than five people, effective Tuesday, March 24.
Based on guidance from the state, APS employees who provide essential services will need to continue reporting to work during the stay-at-home order. APS essential services include providing meals for students, cleaning classrooms and schools, public safety, and making sure staff and vendors get paid. These employees are reminded to continue practicing social distancing – staying at least six feet apart – and to keep gatherings to fewer than five people.
These employees are only to report to work upon direction from their Supervisor. Supervisors are to schedule these staff only for essential tasks that must be done at this time so that as few employees as possible are reporting to work.
We recognize that these employees are being asked to go above and beyond during this public health crisis, and we appreciate their dedication to the students and families of Albuquerque Public Schools.
What if employees aren’t comfortable coming to work during this time?
Employees who perform critical services are expected to come to work. If they are uncomfortable working during this time, they need to address this immediately with their direct supervisor. They will need to take sick, annual or personal leave. APS is responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees and provides its employees with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees to safely perform their work.
What remote work options are available if staff members are quarantined?
APS may permit or require quarantined employees to work from home or use leave pursuant to applicable negotiated agreements. Employees who are quarantined should contact their supervisor to determine if remote work is feasible.
What if I need to take another job during the district’s emergency shut down?
Employment outside of APS needs to comply with the district’s policies and procedures along with state law. According to the policy/procedural directive, there is not a prohibition against outside employment subject to compliance with the Government Conduct Act and the APS Procedural Directive regarding Conflicts of Interest. Please consult with your immediate supervisor regarding any outside employment opportunities.
Additionally, any outside employment must be disclosed by filling out this form: Compliance with the New Mexico Governmental Conduct Act - Ethics and Conflict of Interest Disclosures (PDF).
Please don't bring children to work
Health experts agree that minimizing human exposure is key to blunting the spread of the coronavirus, which is why schools are closed. We appreciate the dedication of essential workers during this difficult time, but we cannot allow you to bring children to work.
Tips for working at home
Most APS employees are now working at home as directed by the governor's stay-at-home order. Here are some helpful tips provided by Andy Bush, executive director for the U.S. Library Services at OCLC, Inc.:
- Keep a strict office hour schedule and stick to it.
- Set up an "office" or workspace that is separate from living space if possible.
- Try to reduce or remove as many distractions as possible.
- Schedule time to talk to your team or your manager.
- Make time for breaks, including lunch.
- Stay present in meetings.
- Use video for meetings when possible.
- Use a headset if you have one over a speakerphone.
- Utilize the Outlook calendar.
- Find the mute button on your phone.
- Video and conference calls are a bit of a learned skill.
- Move through the day.
Online professional development
eLearning for Educators [Link Removed]
APS employee benefits-coverage and co-pay update due to COVID-19
If you are experiencing symptoms you think may be related to the coronavirus (COVID-19), please call the NMDOH hotline: 1 (855) 600-3453.
All costs related to COVID-19 testing and treatment are 100% covered under APS Employee Benefits with no copayment, deductible or coinsurance.
Telehealth (calls or video visits), which include mental health services, are also covered and copays are waived for in-network providers. To keep in accordance with CDC recommendations, please use your provider telemedicine resources for any non-COVID, health-related needs:
- Presbyterian Calls/Video Visits
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Calls/Video Visits
- True Health New Mexico – 1 (844) 308-2552
If you have any questions, please call or email APS Employee Benefits. Phone: (505) 889-4859, Email: employee.benefits@aps.edu