Candidates explain board’s governance role: set goals, approve budget, hold superintendent accountable

Several candidates at the Albuquerque Public Schools forum provided a consistent description of the distinction between the board of education and the superintendent.

Danielle Gonzalez, an incumbent board member, cited state law and said the school board’s role is “to approve policy, to approve the budget, and to hire, manage, and evaluate the superintendent,” and she emphasized the board must align those responsibilities with student outcomes and “stay out of the work of the superintendent.”

Other candidates echoed that framework: Brian Laurent Jr. said the board has one employee — the superintendent — and must do due diligence in selection while avoiding micromanagement. Joshua Martinez and Courtney Jackson both said the board sets vision, goals and guardrails while the superintendent is responsible for implementation and daily operations.

Speakers stressed board members should be prepared to read materials, ask strategic questions and be accountable to the public. Candidates also noted two constituencies for board members: the residents of each member’s district and the district as a whole.

No formal governance changes were proposed at the forum; the discussion was explanatory and framed as what each candidate would do if elected. The descriptions candidates used reference New Mexico state statute and APS governance practice; any change in the board’s role or responsibilities would require legal or policy action beyond a candidate forum.