APS Board Members Hosting Town Halls
First event focused on hearing from students in District 3, two more town halls set for next week.
One student wants to know about money management and to learn how to handle confrontation and formal social interactions before leaving APS.
Others said they want a solid baseline understanding in writing, math, science and economics that will prepare them for college and the workforce. Still, others said they hoped to graduate from APS with an idea of the types of jobs they’re best suited for and the know-how to apply for scholarships.
Those were among the comments students provided to two members of the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education at Del Norte High on Tuesday afternoon during a town hall aimed at hearing what’s on the minds of students in District 3. About 45 students took part in the town hall representing Del Norte, Valley High, Albuquerque High, nex+Gen Academy Magnet and Early College Academy.
The other six board members are also planning to host town hall meetings in their districts, though each town hall will focus on different constituencies. Two additional town halls are scheduled for next week.
“It’s really important to me and to my fellow board member Ms. Janelle Astorga to hear directly from students, to hear student voice, to lift up student voice and also find ways to involve students in decisions,” said board President Danielle Gonzales, who hosted the District 3 town hall. “We really just want to find ways to make sure you are represented, that you have voice and that you have agency.”
Astorga told students she thought it was “very new for students to be asked by the board” to provide their input.
“I think it’s very important that we hear what your experiences are because we’re not the ones in the classroom,” she added. “You guys are the ones that need to tell us what’s going on.”
Gonzales spent a few minutes providing students with a rundown of board responsibilities, pointing out that it sets APS policy, approves and provides oversight of the district’s $2 billion budget and employs the superintendent.
She also discussed the four goals set by the board: improving literacy for elementary students, improving math proficiency for middle schoolers, helping students graduate prepared for college or the career of their choice, and providing students with the skills, habits and mindsets necessary for life success.
But most of the town hall was devoted to having students mull several questions including, what they’d like the adults in their life to know.
“I wish adults knew more about the pressure that we feel inside and outside of school,” one student wrote.
“We all have goals and ambitions,” wrote another. “We just need support and help to be successful.”
Tuesday's town hall was well received by students.
"I think it's very good they're starting to include students and getting our thoughts," said Samantha Selever, a junior at nex+Gen Academy. She noted that decisions made by the board affect students, so it makes sense for the board to reach out to students for input.
APS Board members have been holding listening sessions for the community regularly, seeking input on everything from the APS budget to school calendars. The goals set by the board were based on input board members received from the community.
Upcoming Town Halls
- District 7: 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at La Cueva High School, 7801 Wilshire Ave.
- District 6: 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 at Onate Elementary School,
12415 Brentwood Hills Blvd. NE
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District 2: 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Marie Hughes Elementary School, 5701Mojave Street
- District 1: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Harrison Middle School, 3912 Isleta Blvd. SW