Albuquerque Public Schools elects 2025 officers; vice‑president nominee withdraws, citing "lateral violence"

The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 8 elected Danielle Gonzales president, Courtney Jackson vice president and Janelle Astorga secretary, and appointed committee chairs for audit, finance and policy.

The votes followed nominations and a brief floor discussion. Board member Reynaldo Tomorito withdrew his bid for vice president during the nomination period, saying he had endured repeated disrespect from colleagues and would not accept “punitive treatment.” The board then voted to make Courtney Jackson vice president; the vice president will also chair the audit committee.

Board members and staff said they had solicited written statements of interest in advance and allowed additional remarks at the meeting. Dr. Albright conducted roll calls for each election and for adoption of the meeting agenda.

Votes at a glance

- Adoption of Jan. 8, 2025 special meeting agenda: motion by Courtney Jackson; second by Josefina Dominguez; roll call passed (recorded as all voting yes).

- President: Danielle Gonzales (self‑nominated). Roll call: Janelle Astorga — yes; Reynaldo Tomorito — no; Heather Benavides — yes; Crystal Tapia Romero — yes; Josefina Dominguez — no; Courtney Jackson — yes; Danielle Gonzales — yes. Outcome: elected (5 yes, 2 no).

- Vice president/audit committee chair: Courtney Jackson (nominated; opponent Renaldo/ Re-ynaldo Tomorito withdrew). Roll call: Janelle Astorga — yes; Reynaldo Tomorito — no; Heather Benavides — yes; Crystal Tapia Romero — yes; Josefina Dominguez — no; Courtney Jackson — yes; Daniel/ Danielle Gonzales — yes. Outcome: elected (5 yes, 2 no).

- Secretary: Janelle Astorga. Roll call recorded all yes. Outcome: elected.

- Finance committee chair: Crystal Tapia Romero. Outcome: elected by roll call (recorded yes votes).

- Policy committee chair: Josefina Dominguez. Outcome: elected by roll call (recorded yes votes).

During the vice president nomination sequence, Reynaldo Tomorito delivered a statement describing personal distress and board dynamics, citing “lateral violence” as a factor in his decision to withdraw. He said the experience had affected his well‑being and the district’s Native American students and staff; he concluded, “I withdraw my submission for vice president, and I will stand an example of someone who refuses to accept and to conform to the punitive treatment.” His withdrawal left Courtney Jackson as the remaining nominee, who was then elected by roll call.

Board members also set standing committee schedules. The audit committee will meet virtually on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m.; the finance committee will meet virtually on the fourth Wednesday at 8 a.m.; the policy committee will meet virtually on the first Monday of each month at 5:15 p.m. Board services was directed to prepare Open Meetings Act postings for the audit committee so notices could be posted on Friday.

Several members used their turn for brief remarks about the year ahead, governance priorities and a commitment to student‑focused work; those comments were part of agenda item 5 and did not change the formal outcomes recorded above.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15 at 5 p.m. at the Alice and Bruce King Educational Complex, 6410 Uptown Boulevard NE, and will be livestreamed at aps.edu. The meeting will include progress monitoring for goal 4 and consideration of high school credit recommendations.