APS policy committee adopts Request‑for‑Information process setting timelines, clarifying scope of board inquiries

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Albuquerque Public Schools Policy Committee voted Feb. 3 to add a formal Request‑for‑Information (RFI) policy to the APS Governance Manual that sets response timelines, requires board members to attempt to locate information before submitting requests, and clarifies that requests for information are for inquiry only — not directives to the superintendent.

The committee approved the addition of section 4R after a sustained discussion about wording, transparency and how media or constituent inquiries should be routed. Board members agreed on several specific changes during the meeting: change the phrase "readily available" to "readily accessible," add language requiring a good‑faith effort by board members to search existing reports and dashboards before submitting an RFI, and add a new paragraph stating RFIs do not direct or imply action by the superintendent.

Why it matters The policy aims to balance board members' need for timely, accurate information with the district's need to prioritize staff work. Committee members said a clear RFI process helps reduce ad‑hoc requests that can divert…