[{"_1":2,"_88":-5,"_89":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6355485,"mediaKeyId","2218419-95ad5b5dfbacce8f0cd430c890ebe8b8","parentId",2218419,"title","APS policy committee adopts Request‑for‑Information process setting timelines, clarifying scope of board inquiries","audioSeconds",5148,"startMs",3039000,"endMs",8187000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218419-95ad5b5dfbacce8f0cd430c890ebe8b8&start=3039&end=8187","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218419-95ad5b5dfbacce8f0cd430c890ebe8b8/thumbnail_3039000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6355485/New-Mexico/APS-policy-committee-adopts-RequestforInformation-process-setting-timelines-clarifying-scope-of-board-inquiries","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355485-e8246895b0b5f8fd373cadc8b76f6e01/orig.mp4?Expires=1776005465&Signature=hIqB7gkbh4w5COBUFXLYEH8ypuY6jMIlbwjTyFMklHVSw9uAMj1Frp3PvHN4VJE4NKoD4-tnPBPeU0p8Xl28dRcizN-zE-yIRc3CES6UoMouYlX2segCStujek29W7rHw5mQiae9UAi54MJs6R5iurOuGsF0Qn2HzP7I4mvqqNhzayyFFn6jcLofk5ScIbh2iZQW8~zJ715ZlqVqV5QHzw8wYVcibBt9UbqyTanFO5yNza0MofbmuNOdjBs45l-G8eW1DRIrWj1G3YGcQhZzdH0ix2r6S5BeZpJeg-2SPkk~X~nZdwN8S42wEzYWAtGj1mxd1kiCEhIk2NkbBhkOcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Albuquerque Public Schools","date","2025-02-04T19:43:32.233Z","article","ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Albuquerque Public Schools Policy Committee voted Feb. 3 to add a formal Request‑for‑Information (RFI) policy to the APS Governance Manual that sets response timelines, requires board members to attempt to locate information before submitting requests, and clarifies that requests for information are for inquiry only — not directives to the superintendent.

The committee approved the addition of section 4R after a sustained discussion about wording, transparency and how media or constituent inquiries should be routed. Board members agreed on several specific changes during the meeting: change the phrase \"readily available\" to \"readily accessible,\" add language requiring a good‑faith effort by board members to search existing reports and dashboards before submitting an RFI, and add a new paragraph stating RFIs do not direct or imply action by the superintendent.

Why it matters
The policy aims to balance board members' need for timely, accurate information with the district's need to prioritize staff work. Committee members said a clear RFI process helps reduce ad‑hoc requests that can divert district staff, while preserving board oversight and public transparency.

Key provisions approved
- Good‑faith effort: The introductory text was revised to state board members will make a good‑faith effort to evaluate necessity, urgency and alignment with board responsibilities and to search existing district reports and dashboards before submitting an RFI.
- Wording: Wherever the draft said \"readily available,\" the committee replaced that phrase with \"readily accessible.\" Board Member Courtney Jackson raised the change in wording during discussion and the committee recorded it as an agreed edit.
- Response timeline: The district must provide requested materials within 20 business days. If the request is unreasonably difficult to fill (for example, because of volume or location of records), the district may extend the timeline to 30 business days but must notify the requesting board member and explain the delay.
- Non‑directive clause: The committee added new language specifying that RFIs are intended solely to address board member inquiries and \"do not direct or imply action by the superintendent.\" That language was read into the record during discussion and accepted.
- Agenda escalation and transparency: If a board member pursues an item after an RFI is denied, the policy now requires the member to email the board president and superintendent to request placement on the next Board agenda for consideration. Committee members also discussed announcing such requests during the president's report to make them visible to the full Board.
- Media and constituent requests: Committee members agreed that media‑inquiry and constituent outreach language belongs elsewhere in the Governance Manual (for example, in the community‑engagement section 4P or in officer‑roles language) so the RFI section focuses on internal board requests and inter‑board communications.

What committee members said
Board Member Courtney Jackson led several wording edits and asked that \"readily available\" be changed to \"readily accessible.\" During the meeting Jackson said the change had been agreed at a prior session and should be incorporated into the action memo.

Board Member Reynaldo Tomorito proposed a separate clarification that a parental‑rights policy should not supersede federal IDEA procedural safeguards; that clarification applied to KB‑1 (student and parent/guardian rights) and prompted the committee to request a legal review. District legal counsel raised a separate procedural point about timing under the Open Meetings Act: \"We wouldn't be able to get it to the full Board with 72 hours, so it would have to go to the next board meeting with any changes,\" the counsel said during the meeting.

Next steps
The committee asked the policy analyst and legal counsel to incorporate the agreed edits, to post section 4R for the required public comment period, and to move media‑handling language into either the community engagement section or officer‑roles portions of the Governance Manual. The committee also set the formal response timeline and directed staff to prepare the RFI text for the full Board's consent calendar.

Ending
Committee Chair Josefina Dominguez directed staff to implement the language changes and to prepare the RFI policy for public posting and full Board consideration. The committee recorded the RFI as approved subject to the agreed edits and follow‑up legal review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Policy Committee Meeting 2-3-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The APS Policy Committee approved the addition of section 4R to the Governance Manual, creating a formal Request‑for‑Information process that sets timelines and clarifies scope for board inquiries.","taxTitle","ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, School Districts, New Mexico","taxId",13253,"location","New Mexico","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6355489,"APS policy committee approves multiple policy changes, advances Request-for-Information policy; governance manual discussion to continue",629,8570000,9199000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218419-95ad5b5dfbacce8f0cd430c890ebe8b8&start=8570&end=9199","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218419-95ad5b5dfbacce8f0cd430c890ebe8b8/thumbnail_8570000.jpg","/articles/6355489/New-Mexico/APS-policy-committee-approves-multiple-policy-changes-advances-Request-for-Information-policy-governance-manual-discussion-to-continue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355489-14db0be12e6cd825d6570656e82e7dc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1776005465&Signature=VWdLxqED3hSbDUCjCj4bgqs4z3-wBVzqYaEd8kOLPFRQ~qIpvNmvPHkYUjsRG0egXYYv12ua5eV6Zsjkq-Zeg5suUNQxH8zsYRDi--gFYPVg8s32NaqxF0PcSN8XzLbEbYVfpJJj8mrORgrSAA077nS2OF4VdDpiiuXP9HXjvx2uRlVtC4FJUEkTxguwlu~dmkchmSosgi9oCOh9A77xntZjvLHPTQQ1bIyUjQBm-z5lsPV-jtcUph6EhPVO3dkZ~EVaUUrBRgySje5-aWIyZrk9lyanGbUseVFR18BvUD6Uhi~zpzubp8E04MGwEfDHWixD~wWOs7N4D9w8gNPNiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Albuquerque Public Schools Policy Committee approved a package of policy changes and moved a new Request-for-Information policy forward during its Feb. 3 meeting, voting on a set of administrator- and board-level policy edits that committee members said are intended to clarify board procedures and public transparency.

The committee approved archiving several administrative policies, amendments to student- and instruction-related board policies, a tobacco-free schools update, and clarified rules for naming or renaming district facilities. Committee members also approved adding section 4R — a formal Request-for-Information (RFI) policy and process — to the APS Governance Manual with edits agreed at the meeting.

The revisions affect how board members request information from district staff, how long the district has to respond, and how media or external requests will be handled. The committee debated several items at length, notably language to make clear that the board’s parental-rights policy will not supersede federal special-education procedural safeguards.

Most contested was a 2015-era policy on facility naming and renaming. Supporters said board oversight is required because renaming can carry costs and accountability concerns; opponents said the board should limit time spent on items that do not directly affect student outcomes. The board approved the naming and renaming revisions on a 4–1 vote, with Board Member Courtney Jackson the lone “no.”

Votes at a glance
- Adoption of Feb. 3, 2025 Policy Committee meeting agenda — Moved by Board Member Heather Benavides; seconded by Board Member Reynaldo Tomorito. Roll-call: Janella Estorga, Reynaldo Tomorito, Heather Benavides, Courtney Jackson and Chair Josefina Dominguez — all voted yes. Outcome: approved.
- Approval of minutes, Policy Committee meeting Jan. 13, 2025 (amended to record Benavides present) — Moved by Board Member Courtney Jackson; seconded by Board Member Heather Benavides. Outcome: approved as amended.
- Archive administrative policy (Teaching about controversial or sensitive issues) — Motion moved and seconded; roll-call: Estorga yes, Tomorito yes, Benavides yes, Jackson yes, Dominguez yes. Outcome: approved (archived).
- Archive Administrative Board Policy KB, Family and Community Engagement — Moved by Board Member Heather Benavides; seconded by Board Member Courtney Jackson. Outcome: approved (archived).
- Approve revisions to Board Policy KB‑1, Student and Parent/Guardian Rights and Responsibilities, with amendment to add cross-reference to IDEA procedural safeguards — Motion moved by Board Member Courtney Jackson; amended by Board Member Heather Benavides to insert language referencing IDEA and legal review; seconded; roll-call: Estorga yes, Tomorito yes, Benavides yes, Jackson yes, Dominguez yes. Outcome: approved (amendment accepted; legal review to follow).
- Approve revisions to Board Policy AD, Tobacco‑Free Schools — Moved by Board Member Heather Benavides; seconded by Board Member Courtney Jackson. Outcome: approved.
- Approve revisions to Board Policy FE, Naming, Renaming and Dedication of Facilities — Moved by Board Member Heather Benavides; seconded; roll-call produced a 4–1 vote (Courtney Jackson voted no). Outcome: approved.
- Approve revisions to Board Policy IH, Instructional Program — Moved by Board Member Courtney Jackson; seconded by Board Member Heather Benavides. Outcome: approved.
- Approve revisions to Board Policy IK, Academic Accountability — Moved by Board Member Heather Benavides; seconded. Outcome: approved.
- Approve addition of section 4R, Request for Information policy and process, to the APS Governance Manual (with edits agreed during the meeting) — Moved by Board Member Heather Benavides; seconded by Board Member Courtney Jackson; roll-call: Estorga yes, Tomorito yes, Benavides yes, Jackson yes, Dominguez yes. Outcome: approved (edits to wording and placement agreed; media‑inquiry language will be considered for placement elsewhere in the manual).

Discussion, process and next steps
Committee members debated where certain responsibilities should sit — with the board or with administration. On naming and renaming, proponents said board involvement is appropriate because renaming can require board‑authorized funding and because names reflect community values; opponents warned such items can distract from an outcomes-focused governance role.

On changes to KB‑1, several members pressed to make explicit that the board’s parental‑rights policy should not conflict with federal special‑education procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The committee added language to that effect and asked that the district’s legal team review the insertion before the full Board considers it.

The RFI policy was the subject of extended discussion and edits. Committee members agreed to several specific provisions: a request timeline (the district must provide requested materials within 20 business days, extendable to 30 business days with notification), a requirement that board members make a good‑faith effort to locate information using existing reports and dashboards before submitting an RFI, and new wording clarifying that RFIs are intended to obtain information and do not, by themselves, direct the superintendent to take action.

A motion to postpone further governance‑manual discussion until the full Board meeting failed on a 3–2 vote, so the committee continued to identify surgical clarifications to be addressed at the full Board meeting.

What this means for the public
Most of the committee actions will appear on the Board of Education consent calendar for the March 5 meeting; the RFI addition to the governance manual is a newly created policy and will be posted for public review before final board action. Committee members asked the district legal counsel to review specific insertions (IDEA references) before the full Board acts.

Ending note
Committee Chair Josefina Dominguez closed the meeting after directing staff to incorporate the edits discussed and to prepare materials for the full Board meeting. The committee scheduled its next policy meeting for April.","The Albuquerque Public Schools Policy Committee voted Feb. 3 to archive several administrative policies and to approve revisions to multiple board policies, including a new Request-for-Information policy. A motion to postpone a broader governance-manual discussion failed; the governance-manual review will be addressed at the full Board meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

APS policy committee adopts Request‑for‑Information process setting timelines, clarifying scope of board inquiries

APS policy committee approves multiple policy changes, advances Request-for-Information policy; governance manual discussion to continue