Orientation Session for Prospective School Board Candidates Set for Aug. 9

Topics will include legal responsibilities, code of conduct.

Three Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education seats will be on the ballot in November, but what, exactly, does the job entail?

APS will provide an overview and answer questions during a candidate orientation at 5 p.m. on Aug. 9 at the Alice and Bruce King Educational Complex, 6400 Uptown Blvd. NE.

“It’s an opportunity for anyone interested in running for a school board seat to learn more about what it means to be a school board member for Albuquerque Public Schools,” said Board President Yolanda Montoya-Cordova, whose term expires this year. 

She said prospective candidates attending the orientation will learn about the board's critical role in ensuring the public’s vision and values are realized in collaboration with district leadership. The primary responsibilities of the Board of Education include managing the allocation of resources, shaping school policies, hiring and managing the superintendent, and serving as a bridge between the community and the district. 

The election is Nov. 7.

Montoya-Cordova, who represents District 1, and board member Barbara Petersen, who represents District 4, have announced that they don’t plan to seek reelection. Board Vice President Peggy Muller-Aragón, who represents District 2, will be seeking another term.

Anyone planning to run for one of the positions must file a declaration of candidacy and a sworn statement of interest with the county clerk between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Aug. 29. Write-in candidates can file on Sept. 5. Candidates must reside in the district they are seeking to represent.

Successful candidates begin their four-year terms on Jan. 1.

Voters and candidates can find their district and learn about voter registration, polling locations, candidate requirements, and more at the Board of Education election web page. 

Also on the ballot will be a 2-mill levy that would continue funding for maintenance throughout the district without raising the tax rate. The mill levy would be a continuation of a tax already in place, not a new one.

Revenue from the two-mill levy helps pay for such things as maintenance, security, operations, technology, and musical instruments. If approved, the tax will provide capital revenue for the district through 2030.