Albuquerque Public Schools board swears in new members and elects 2026 officers

The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education convened Jan. 7, 2026, at the Alice and Bruce King Educational Complex to administer oaths to newly elected members and elect board officers for 2026.

New board members took the oath of office early in the meeting. Rebecca Benson, sworn in for District 3, said she was "honored to take on this responsibility and serve our community as a member of the school board," and pledged to focus on collaboration, transparency and "listening to the people closest to our students." Joshua Martinez, also sworn in, described his service as a parent and neighbor and thanked voters for their trust. Warikia Bowman, sworn in by the judge, pledged to represent immigrants and English learners, saying, "I promise to represent the immigrants... English language learners because I'm from a family of English language learners." Courtney Jackson — sworn in by the honorable Catherine Begay — presented a board president governance plan that emphasized centering decisions on student outcomes and recommended near-term actions including a board retreat and reissuing an RFP for a governance coach.

After roll call, the board unanimously adopted the Jan. 7 agenda. Members then discussed officer nominations. Tom Morritto and Courtney Jackson were nominated for board president. A roll-call vote recorded in the transcript shows Morritto receiving five votes to Jackson's two; the board elected Tom Morritto president and he assumed the gavel.

Rebecca Benson was nominated and elected vice president and audit committee chair by roll-call vote. Heather Benavides and Janelle Astorga were nominated for secretary; Heather Benavides was elected secretary.

The board addressed committee structure under applicable law and its governance manual. Counsel clarified that New Mexico law requires finance and audit committees and that the board must publicly notice creation of any additional standing committees. Members recommended placing a formal committee-establishment item on the Jan. 21 agenda; that recommendation was seconded. Warikia Bowman nominated herself for finance committee chair and was elected; she proposed meeting the fourth Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m., pending confirmation with the chief financial officer. The audit committee will meet virtually on the fourth Tuesday at 5 p.m., per the board's standing schedule.

The board set its next regular meeting for Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Alice and Bruce King Educational Complex (6400 Uptown Boulevard NE) and livestreamed on APS. The meeting adjourned.

Votes and formal actions taken at the meeting were recorded on the public record and announced from the dais.