APS board directs policy committee to draft tribal consultation governance policy

The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education on Aug. 6 recommended that the policy committee develop a formal tribal consultation governance policy that would require board‑level government‑to‑government engagement with New Mexico tribal nations and urban indigenous leaders before adopting policies affecting Native American students. The motion was made by Board Member Heather Benavides and seconded by Board Secretary Janelle Estorga; a roll call carried the recommendation.

Board Member Josefina Dominguez, who presented the proposal as policy chair, said the policy would honor tribal sovereignty, align with federal requirements and state guidance, and ensure consultation is meaningful rather than performative. Dominguez cited the Every Student Succeeds Act provision referenced in the meeting and federal executive guidance on tribal consultation.

Administration and timeline: Chief of Equity Tanya Campos told the board the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) is finalizing a shared definition of tribal consultation, developed with tribal leaders, and that NMPED plans to issue guidance likely in the fall. Campos recommended waiting for NMPED’s final guidance before adopting a district policy, and board members debated whether the policy committee should begin work now or wait.

Board deliberations and vote: Some board members urged waiting for NMPED’s guidance to avoid drafting conflicting procedures; others said a governance policy was overdue and would formalize board‑level obligations. After discussion, the board voted to refer the development of a tribal consultation policy to the policy committee for drafting and future consideration by the full board.

Why it matters: New Mexico is home to 23 sovereign tribal nations; APS serves a sizable Native American student population. Board members said the policy would clarify when and how the board engages directly with tribal governments rather than relying solely on administrative contacts.

What’s next: The policy committee will develop proposed language and return it to the full board for consideration. Administration told the board it will coordinate with NMPED and tribal leaders as the committee drafts language.

Ending: The board’s direction creates a formal path for drafting a governance policy; the committee will consider timing and NMPED guidance as it develops a proposal for future board action.