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Multiple public commenters call for accountability after release of board communications; trustees do not take disciplinary action
Summary
During public forum at the Aug. 6 meeting, multiple speakers called for reprimand or resignation of Board Member Heather Benavides following disclosure of private text messages involving vulgar language about another board member. Commenters also raised the need for clearer bylaws and anti‑bullying standards that apply to board members.
Several members of the Albuquerque community used the board’s public‑forum slot on Aug. 6 to call for accountability after the disclosure of private communications involving Board Member Heather Benavides and her spouse. Callers asked the board to clarify whether its bylaws or an anti‑bullying policy apply to trustees and urged reprimand or resignation.
What speakers said: On the virtual line, Jennifer McGrath said she was “shocked by the text messages” and that Benavides “needs to be reprimanded at the least and removed from the board.” Lisa Davis, speaking later, called the messages “unprofessional” and said she and her family had lost trust; she also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest when a board member is married to a judge.
Legal and policy questions: Several commenters urged the board to reconsider bylaws or adoption of a formal policy that would hold trustees to the district’s anti‑bullying / cyberbullying standards. Attorney and advocate Sarah Kreka urged the board to “revisit your bylaws and hold each member ... at a minimum to the board‑designed anti‑bullying and cyberbullying policy that all students and members of the school community ... are held to.” The board did not take a formal disciplinary action during the meeting.
Board response and next steps: The meeting transcript shows the board acknowledged the comments, but no motion for reprimand or investigation appeared on the agenda and no formal action was taken during the session. Multiple public commenters requested follow‑up and transparency from the board regarding internal communications policies and whether they apply to elected trustees.
Why it matters: Public trust in elected school governance depends on consistent behavior from trustees and clear rules about conduct. Callers said the incident undermines trust and asked the board to clarify rules that apply to board members.
Ending: The board accepted public comment but did not act on discipline or bylaws changes during the meeting; speakers said they plan to follow up and seek clarifying action from the board in future meetings.
