Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
La Mesa Elementary families and staff protest principal’s removal; board hears dozens of public comments
Summary
Parents, staff and community partners told the APS board that the removal and reassignment of La Mesa Elementary’s principal was done without data or meaningful community engagement. Speakers said the change threatens gains at schools in CSI/MRI status and urged the board to uphold district ‘guardrails’ on staff voice.
Parents, teachers and community partners packed the June 4 Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education meeting to protest the reassignment and demotion of La Mesa Elementary’s principal.
Multiple speakers said they were not given an explanation, that staff petitioned against the change, and that the principal’s leadership had helped produce school improvements. “We are shocked and heartbroken by the removal and demotion of principal Aqbal, a decision made without explanation,” said Erica Apodaca, speaking on behalf of La Mesa families. Josie Chavez, dean at La Mesa Elementary, said the change took place without data shared with staff or families and warned it could push the school from Corrective Support and Intervention (CSI) status into more serious monitoring.
Teachers and community partners…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
