APS policy committee approves multiple policy changes, advances Request-for-Information policy; governance manual discussion to continue

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Albuquerque Public Schools Policy Committee approved a package of policy changes and moved a new Request-for-Information policy forward during its Feb. 3 meeting, voting on a set of administrator- and board-level policy edits that committee members said are intended to clarify board procedures and public transparency.

The committee approved archiving several administrative policies, amendments to student- and instruction-related board policies, a tobacco-free schools update, and clarified rules for naming or renaming district facilities. Committee members also approved adding section 4R — a formal Request-for-Information (RFI) policy and process — to the APS Governance Manual with edits agreed at the meeting.

The revisions affect how board members request information from district staff, how long the district has to respond, and how media or external requests will be handled. The committee debated several items at length, notably language to make clear that the board’s parental-rights policy will not supersede federal special-education procedural safeguards.

Most contested was a 2015-era policy on facility naming and renaming. Supporters said board oversight is required because renaming can carry costs and accountability concerns; opponents said the board should limit time spent on items that do not directly affect student outcomes. The board approved the naming and renaming revisions on a 4–1 vote, with Board Member Courtney Jackson the lone “no.”

Votes at a glance - Adoption of Feb. 3, 2025 Policy…