Less than a month remains until the November 4 election for the Albuquerque Public School (APS) Board, with the race drawing increased attention from the local business community.
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC) Board of Directors has endorsed four candidates: Danielle Gonzales, Courtney Jackson, Joshua Martinez, and David Ams. GACC President and CEO Terri Cole highlighted the significance of school district leadership that prioritizes student academic improvement.
“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,” Cole said.
Paul Madrid, the Chamber’s Education BIG Chairman, also encouraged support for the four candidates in order to maintain recent progress within the district.
Danielle Gonzales is the incumbent for District 3, representing Downtown, North Valley, Los Ranchos, and Corrales. Elected in 2021, she currently serves as board president and has led initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes throughout the district. Gonzales is an APS graduate who began her career as a fourth-grade teacher before moving into policy and nonprofit leadership roles focused on educational equity.
Courtney Jackson, the incumbent for District 7 covering the Far Northeast Heights including La Cueva and Eldorado High School, was also elected in 2021 and now serves as board vice president. A graduate of La Cueva High School, University of New Mexico, and UNM School of Law, Jackson’s background includes law, business, and education. During her first term she has emphasized student outcomes, community engagement, and transparency.
Joshua Martinez is running in District 5 (ABQ West Side – Middle and South). Martinez is the New Mexico Health Equity and Community Impact director for the American Diabetes Association. He has led statewide initiatives supporting families and community well-being. Martinez comes from a family of public educators and is active in his children’s school community.
David Ams is a candidate for District 6 (ABQ Heights including Sandia and Manzano high schools, Four Hills, East Mountains). Ams is a PTA president and scientist who aims to ensure all students have access to quality education. Raised in a working-class family, he credits his success—from student to PhD chemist—to strong public schools and supportive teachers.
The APS Board is responsible for hiring the superintendent. The Chamber notes that current superintendent Gabriella Durán Blakey has implemented reforms focused on students but cautions that this direction could change depending on the outcome of the election.
The GACC encourages voters to approve both the APS GO bond measure and these four candidates in order to continue advancing the district’s progress.
