APS board votes to archive policy on naming and renaming facilities after debate on community input

The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education voted April 2 to archive Board Policy FE, which governs naming, renaming and dedication of district facilities, after a lengthy discussion about community input and the superintendent’s role in the naming process.

Board member Courtney Jackson moved to archive the policy; Crystal Tapia Romero seconded. During the discussion, board members debated whether naming decisions are primarily a governance responsibility or best handled administratively with strong community involvement. Member Josefina Dominguez said she favors placing relationship-building with communities ahead of unilateral board action: “Deep change requires building relationships in order to share historical views on sensitive topics,” she said.

Superintendent Gabriela Duran Blakey told the board that archiving the policy would require a procedural directive because two schools are already in a renaming process. The superintendent named the active cases as the new international school (which needs a name) and Polk Middle School, both of which are proceeding under existing procedures while the district develops interim guidance.

At roll-call, Board members Jackson, Tapia Romero, Dominguez and Daniel Gonzales voted to archive the policy; Board members Benavides and Tomorito voted no. The motion carried. Administrators said they will draft a procedural directive quickly so the boards and communities working on current naming processes have clear guidance while the district develops any longer-term revisions.

Board members said they want the superintendent and the naming committees to ensure diversity of viewpoints on naming committees and to consider historical and cultural context in any recommendations that return to the board for final approval. The vote archived the policy; it did not itself rename any facility.