Albuquerque Public Schools
APS Honored as 'Trusted Partner' by Construction Industry
APS leaders accept Outstanding Public Owner Award from AGC New Mexico.
It was a vote of confidence built on years of consistency, quality and collaboration. On May 29, Albuquerque Public Schools formally accepted the prestigious Outstanding Public Owner award from the Associated General Contractors of New Mexico during its 2026 Best Buildings Awards ceremony.
The recognition is particularly significant because it comes directly from the AGC's entire membership — a collective acknowledgment by contractors and industry partners across the state. Accepting the honor for APS were Deputy Superintendent of Operations Antonio Gonzales, Capital Master Plan Executive Director Kizito Wijenje and Executive Director of Facilities, Design and Construction Karen Alarid.
AGC Chief Executive Officer Kelly Roepke-Orth noted that the award reflects APS’s commitment to quality and ability to work productively with the construction community, always doing business the right way.
"Contractors and industry partners across the state are acknowledging Albuquerque Public Schools as a trusted, effective and collaborative owner," she said. "In an industry where partnerships matter and performance is visible, that kind of peer recognition speaks for itself."
The honor is the culmination of a period of significant achievement for the district's capital program. Recently completed projects include major overhauls and new construction across the district.
These efforts include the complete rebuilding of Sandia Base Elementary School, which resulted in an 88,645-square-foot facility housing classrooms, dedicated music and art rooms, a library, and a new gymnasium. The team also oversaw the construction of new classroom buildings at Sierra Vista Elementary School (28,800 square feet) and Monte Vista Elementary School (15,600 square feet), along with the 62,100-square-foot Truman Middle School building that now houses the school’s administrative offices, media center, cafeteria and fine arts facilities.
Superintendent Gabriella Durán Blakey expressed immense pride in the district’s operations team.
“I am incredibly proud of our team. This honor truly reflects the dedication, professionalism, and care they bring to the work every day on behalf of our students and community,” she said.
Dr. Durán Blakey said she’s also deeply thankful for the strong partnership APS has with AGC New Mexico and the broader construction community.
“The collaboration, trust, and shared commitment to doing what is right for our schools makes a real difference, and this recognition reinforces the strength of that relationship,” she said.