Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Margaret “Warigia” Bowman

Name: Margaret “Warigia” Bowman

Political party: Democrat

Age: 57

Education:

Ph.D., Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School

J.D. (with honors) University of Texas, Austin

B.A. Columbia College, Columbia University

Occupation:

Law Professor, University of New Mexico

Water Protection Advisory Board, City of Albuquerque

Law Professor, University of Tulsa

Policy Professor, University of Mississippi, University of Arkansas, American University in Cairo

Consultant, State Department, USAID, United Nations, Government of Kenya, Government of Germany

Honors Trial Attorney, United States Department of Justice (under President Clinton)

Family: My mother immigrated from Kenya, where she was one of the first five Black African women to attend high school there. My grandfather, a Presbyterian Minister, sold half of his land to educate his daughters. My paternal grandmother was a public school teacher in Manuelito, New Mexico during World War II, where my father attended kindergarten. Education is very important to my family.

My 17 year old son and my 15 year old son both attend Sandia High School (Go Matadors!) in Albuquerque Public Schools. My daughter is currently in college.

Relevant experience: I am a third-generation New Mexican, a law professor at the University of New Mexico, and a proud product of New Mexico public service and public schools. With 17 years of classroom teaching experience and a deep family legacy rooted in education. I also am an expert in natural resources, water and property. These skills make me a proponent of outdoor education and hands-on education. Finally, I am an expert in infrastructure, which makes me committed to a top quality physical plant for our children.

Campaign website: www.warigiaforaps.com

1. What's the biggest issue APS faces? How would you address it?

The biggest issue is equity. APS must fully implement the Martinez/Yazzie ruling and keep students safe. That means investing in small classes, bilingual and special education, culturally relevant teaching, and safe, modern schools—so every child, in every zip code, has the support they need to learn and thrive.

2. In your opinion, what is the primary role of a school board member?

School board members represent the “public” in public schools. A school board member’s job is to fight for students—to make sure they have what they need to learn and succeed. That includes managing the budget responsibly, ensuring equity, and holding the district accountable for delivering safe, high-quality education for all.

3. How would you evaluate the current school board's performance?

The current board has done okay—good in some areas—but it’s too focused on corporate governance models that have little to do with what actually happens in classrooms. We need leadership that centers students, not buzzwords, and that puts equity, safety, and real learning first.

4. What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

I have helped to manage several grants, including a $20,000,000 National Science Foundation EPSCOR grant, and several smaller grants ranging from $2500 to $20,000 from organizations ranging from the American Association for University Women to the Carnegie Corporation.

5. The board recently let its contract with D.C. based consultant Council of the Great City Schools expire. Do you believe that was the correct call, why or why not?

Yes, ending the contract was the right call. APS doesn’t need expensive, corporate-style consultants from D.C. We need to focus on what actually works for our students here in Albuquerque—strong teaching, safe schools, and policies rooted in equity and community, not outside business models.

6. Do you believe that the goals and guardrails the district has adopted are still effective and relevant, why or why not?

The goals and guardrails don’t reflect what’s actually happening in classrooms. They sound good on paper but don’t address real issues like teacher support, student safety, or equity. We need goals that are grounded in the daily realities of schools and students. We need to clearly communicate what we are trying to accomplish.

7. The district recently changed the poverty threshold for schools to qualify for Title I funding, do you believe that was the correct decision?

YES. Schools with a 60 percent or higher poverty rate will receive site-based Title I funds. Because fewer schools will be receiving Title I funds, those that do qualify will receive significantly more than Title I schools currently receive per student. I agree with this decision.

8. What’s your stance on school vouchers?

I strongly oppose school vouchers. They take public money away from public schools and send it to private institutions. Most New Mexico kids attend public schools. We should invest in making public schools stronger, not diverting funds to benefit a few at the expense of the many.

9. What's your stance on charter schools?

Charter schools can be part of our education system, but they must be held to the same transparency, standards and accountability as our public schools. They also must not, under any circumstances, take resources away from public schools. I strongly oppose for-profit charter schools.

10. Do you believe APS is doing enough to comply with the landmark 2018 Yazzie/Martinez court ruling?

No, APS is not doing enough to comply with Yazzie/Martinez. Too many students still lack the resources, culturally relevant education, and the support for small classes and adequate teacher resources required by the ruling. I will fight to hold the district accountable and ensure equity for all students, especially Native, special education, and low income students.

11. Do you believe changes should be made to the APS student cell phone use policy, per a new state law? How do you think the district should handle cell phone use on school grounds?

Yes, APS should align with the new state law. Research shows limiting cell phone use in schools improves focus and learning. We need clear policies that reduce distractions and create better classroom environments where students can thrive.

12. Do you believe more steps should be taken to address school security issues, including firearms on or near school grounds? If so, what would you propose?

Yes, we need stronger measures, like controlled school access with secure entry points, dramatically increased mental health staff and resources, and clear protocols to prevent firearms on or near campuses. Safety means physical security and emotional well-being—both are essential for student success.

Personal background

1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

No

2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?

No

3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, or any misdemeanor or felony?

No