Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Kristin Wood-Hegner

Name: Kristin Wood-Hegner

Political party: Democrat

Age: 39

Education: Master of Public Administration (Middlebury Institute of International Studies); MA, International Education (Middlebury Institute of International Studies); BA, Political Science with Minor in African Studies (San Jose State University); Study abroad (University of Ghana); FBI Citizens Academy, (Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albuquerque)

Occupation: former ESL teacher, Violent crimes grant administrator

Family: I’m the proud mom of a gifted student with disabilities. I’ve navigated the APS special education system, and understand the barriers families face. My supportive partner, Trevor Brolin, is a production manager and former teacher.

Relevant experience: I manage millions of dollars annually to fight violent crime in New Mexico, ensure compliance and fiscal accountability, and coordinate with police, prosecutors, and victim services to improve public safety and get justice for survivors. I’ve taught English as a Second language on three continents.

Campaign website: Kristin4aps.com

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

Protecting children is the Board’s most sacred duty, yet students feel so unsafe that they’re arming themselves in class. Many kids are scared, lonely, and hurting. I would improve early intervention and support services and train staff on their discipline and referral options before behavioral problems escalate.

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

A good school board member is an advocate for every student, provides strong fiscal oversight over the budget, implements policies to keep our kids safe and improve the quality of education for students of all backgrounds, and holds the Superintendent accountable to the community.

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

Our schools are consistently ranked last in the nation. It’s clear that APS is on the wrong track. Our students need leaders who will close the achievement gap, reduce bullying, support teachers, meaningfully communicate with the community, and ensure every tax-payer dollar goes to supporting quality education.

4. What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

I have managed over $12 million dollars in federal funding to address violence against women in our state. I know where every dollar goes and how each dollar is connected to outcomes. I have also conducted desk audits, onsite regulatory reviews, and financial compliance training for nearly 200 projects.

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. As a federal grant administrator, I utilized a fair and transparent process to award public funds and established a diverse planning committee to develop state priorities. District contracts and goals should also be accountable to the public and reflect the community’s hopes and concerns for our schools.

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

Parents and teachers have made their voices heard - the goals are insufficient and the process is flawed. The goals should be revised in partnership with the community to incorporate top concerns like student safety, disparity in education, and environmental safety (like addressing the 90-degree classrooms in the Northeast Heights).

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

No, APS needs smarter budgets and public accountability. Before voting on the APS budget, I would require a detailed budget for oversight and community input. Schools with the highest poverty levels do need greater support, but the schools just missing the new cutoff shouldn’t bear the cost. It’s common sense.

8. What’s your stance on school vouchers?

I oppose school vouchers. Public funds should never be used for private schools.

9. What's your stance on charter schools?

I support our successful non-profit charters, and their innovative programs should be replicated in public schools. However, a lack of Board oversight also allows out-of-state corporations to masquerade as low-quality charters. Let’s implement quality control measures to make sure every APS student has access to the tools for success.

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

The Martinez-Yazzie rulings demands action. The achievement gap is growing. APS should expand the community school model to support students with services, family engagement, and culturally-responsive curriculum. We need to support families through the special education process, and retain quality teachers with specializations by improving working conditions and classroom safety.

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?

Teachers can manage their classrooms, including phones, when class sizes are reasonable. As APS faces an uncertain budget and safety concerns, resources should be directed to retaining and recruiting teachers and reducing classroom screentime on Chromebooks. Parents, teachers, and students detest the corporate cookiecutter curriculum that teaches to the test.

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?

APS recovered sixty-two firearms since 2021, more than double the number found in the four years preceding the pandemic. Nearly a third of last year’s incidents were in the Northeast Heights. We need to expand the APS PD threat assessment teams and hire enough social workers to meet national standards.

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.