Albuquerque Public Schools Seeks Community Input for Career Academy Expansion

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) convened a meeting yesterday at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center to gather community feedback as it plans to expand its “Academies of Albuquerque” program to all district high schools within the next four years.

The initiative, currently implemented at Cibola, Highland, and Manzano High Schools, aims to connect students with career interests and provide professional training before college or entering the workforce. Superintendent Gabriella Blakey stated that early results show students experiencing a greater sense of belonging and purpose. “I think some of the early responses we’ve seen is students feeling connected to an adult at school, the other students at school,” Blakey said. The district is partnering with the United Way of Central New Mexico to raise $500,000 over five years to support the program, recognizing the importance of community involvement in student success.

However, some teachers have expressed concerns about a lack of clarity regarding the program’s goals and curriculum adjustments. Derek Villanueva, a social studies teacher and union representative at Manzano High School, noted, “Teachers are racking their brains trying to figure out what this academy thing is.” Sean Thomas, executive vice president of the teacher’s union, echoed these concerns, stating that schools preparing for implementation next year lack sufficient information. This comes as New Mexico faces ongoing challenges in preparing a skilled workforce to attract new businesses to the state, as highlighted by Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller during the meeting. You can learn more about New Mexico’s economic development initiatives on the state’s official website.

Union representatives also voiced a desire to ensure the program remains focused on holistic education rather than solely workforce preparation. Ellen Bernstein, longtime president of the teachers’ union, expressed optimism but emphasized the need for a student-centered approach. APS officials stated they will continue to address teacher concerns and refine the program based on community input. Further information about Albuquerque Public Schools can be found on their official website.

District leaders indicated they will analyze the feedback received and provide updates on the rollout plan in the coming months.