Multiple candidates at the Albuquerque Public Schools forum made early literacy a central topic, saying the district must prioritize getting students to grade level reading by the end of third grade and align funding and accountability to that aim.

Courtney Jackson, vice president of the APS Board and incumbent candidate, defended the district’s strategic emphasis on early literacy and recommended continuing investments in structured‑literacy training: “We can continue our investments in the LETRS training … and continue the district wide focus on structured literacy because I believe those are making a real difference in our classroom.”

Other candidates supported complementary measures. Margaret Warrigia Bowman, a District 6 candidate and educator, highlighted smaller class sizes and culturally and linguistically relevant materials. Brian Laurent Jr., a former special‑education teacher, said “all teachers are reading teachers” and urged professional learning for educators beyond elementary grades.

Kristen Wood Hegner and others raised concerns about subgroups: Hegner noted falling scores for some groups and said literacy strategies must work across demographic populations. Candidates referenced the Yazzie Martinez court findings as part of the district’s accountability context and urged targeted supports for historically underserved students.

Specific actions named at the forum included: sustained investment in professional development tied to the science of reading; screening and early interventions; culturally relevant materials for English‑learners and Native students; stronger partnerships with early‑childhood providers; and aligning the strategic plan, budget and reporting to make early literacy measurable and resourced.

No formal board actions were taken at the forum. Candidates framed these recommendations as things they would advocate for if elected; implementation would require board decisions, budget approval and coordination with curriculum and instructional leadership.