Just over a month remains before the November 4 election, and the race for seats on the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Board is drawing increased attention. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC) has officially endorsed four candidates: Danielle Gonzales, Courtney Jackson, Joshua Martinez, and David Ams.
During its September 25 Board of Directors meeting, the Chamber heard from Amanda Aragon, executive director of NewMexicoKidsCan, about the current state of the school board races. Aragon emphasized that while all races are significant, those involving incumbents Danielle Gonzales in District 3 and Courtney Jackson in District 7 are especially close contests. Both currently serve as APS board president and vice president.
Aragon urged broader community involvement in support of these candidates. “Talk to your neighbors and let them know the importance of this election,” she said. “It is insane that we have Danielle in this community. She just got the Medallion of Excellence by Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and is endorsed by (former U.S. Secretary of Education) John King. She is incredible.”
Terri Cole, President and CEO of GACC, highlighted the need for alignment between school district leadership and student academic improvement efforts within both business and general communities. “Dr. Durán Blakey has made tremendous progress, working in tandem with the board majority, to ensure our district has a strategic plan tied to student improvement. She and Danielle and Courtney have instilled accountability in the system, and voters should support them so that work can continue.”
Paul Madrid, GACC Education BIG Chairman, also encouraged continued backing for these candidates to maintain progress within APS.
The Chamber’s recommended candidates include:
- Danielle Gonzales (District 3: Downtown, North Valley, Los Ranchos, Corrales), elected to the board in 2021 now serving as president.
- Courtney Jackson (District 7: Far Northeast Heights), also elected in 2021 now serving as vice president.
- Joshua Martinez (District 5: ABQ West Side – Middle and South), currently New Mexico Health Equity and Community Impact director at American Diabetes Association.
- David Ams (District 6: ABQ Heights including Sandia/Manzano high schools), PTA president and scientist.
The APS Board is responsible for hiring the superintendent; currently Gabriella Duran Blakey holds this position with a focus on reform-minded leadership aimed at improving student outcomes.
Early voting starts October 18. The Chamber urges its members—and voters—to support both its endorsed candidates as well as approval for the APS GO bond during this election cycle.
