Albuquerque Public Schools officials announced on Sept. 1 that their five-year Emerging Stronger strategic plan was introduced to students, families, educators and community leaders, according to a press release. The plan's formal launch took place during a community celebration dinner at Albuquerque High, attended by approximately 200 individuals, followed by a summit at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center which drew around 160 participants.

The strategic plan builds upon goals previously approved by the Board of Education following extensive community input. The plan focuses on four key strategic priorities to drive progress in literacy, math, college and career readiness, and life skills for all students. These priorities encompass establishing clear expectations across APS, providing rigorous instruction aligned with grade-level standards, promoting student engagement and well-being, and ensuring responsive and coordinated systems that prioritize student needs in all aspects of the district's operations.

“APS, like many other urban districts, had a tendency over the last number of years to chase that silver bullet. The next shiny thing would come along, and we would say, ‘Oh, that’s what’s going to fix us. That’s what’s going to do it,’” Superintendent Scott Elder said.

The board and administration have established a mechanism to monitor and provide periodic updates on the district's advancement toward achieving its objectives.

“We’re going to have honest conversations about what’s working and what’s not working and stop pretending,” Board President Yolanda Montoya-Cordova said.

“I would very much like to applaud the Board of Education for setting these very clear and decisive goals,” said retired businessman David Foster.