APS board renews contracts for Siamba and Technology Leadership charter high schools
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Summary
The board approved contract renewals for Siamba (Sierra) Leadership High School and Technology Leadership High School after presentations from charter representatives and student speakers; board members asked about state assessment data, financial liquidity and oversight.
The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education approved contract renewals for Sierra (Siamba) Leadership High School and Technology Leadership High School at its Dec. 3 meeting, following presentations from charter staff, governing council representatives and several students.
Representatives described the schools pproach to reengaging students through project-based learning, advisory structures and extensive social-emotional supports. James Santaguida, a licensed clinical social worker at Siamba Leadership, told the board, "We are really a family there," and described on-site supports including a food pantry and clothing closet. Multiple students from both charters gave first-hand accounts of the schools bility to help them recover credits and graduate.
Board members asked operational and performance questions before voting. For Siamba, questions focused on academic outcomes and recent interventions; the school described hiring instructional coaches, regular benchmark monitoring and a partnership with the outside consultants Bellwether and Big Picture Learning to guide curriculum and project-based practices.
During the Technology Leadership High School review, trustees queried the absence of some state MASA reporting lines for recent years and asked about financial liquidity after a move to a larger facility; school representatives said some state reports arrive on a delayed schedule and confirmed the school moved into a 60,000-square-foot building in January 2025. The governing council and school leaders said liquidity rose as they saved to pay for the move and that more recent documents will show expected reductions as funds are spent on the new facility.
Board members also asked whether charter governing boards were up to date on required trainings; school representatives said their boards complete annual trainings via the Public Charter Schools of New Mexico and contracted trainers. After discussion, the board voted to renew both schools—ontracts. Motions to approve were made and seconded on the floor and then passed by roll-call vote.
