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Name: David Ams
Political party: Democrat
Age: 48
Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Notre Dame; B.S. in Geology, Kent State University Occupation: Chemist in the nuclear field, Supporting National Laboratories; PTA President Family: Married, two daughters
Relevant experience: PTA President, education advocate, parent leader, scientist with experience managing research budgets and teams.
Campaign website: https://www.davidforaps.com/
1. What’s the biggest issue APS faces? How would you address it?
Student achievement. I’ll focus on early literacy—ensuring every child reads confidently by third grade— while strengthening math instruction, expanding interventions, and holding the district accountable for results.
2. In your opinion, what is the primary role of a school board member?
To set clear goals, oversee the superintendent, ensure smart spending, and represent families in every decision. But it’s just as important to set a culture that prioritizes high expectations, belief in every student, inclusivity, and the power of diversity.
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3. How would you evaluate the current school board’s performance?
Progress has been made on governance, but families don’t feel student success is improving fast enough. We need urgency and accountability. I will work to ensure that every kid in the district can read at grade level and is proficient in math, while getting the resources they need to thrive.
4. What experience do you have overseeing a budget?
I’ve managed multi-million-dollar federal research budgets while ensuring the on-time completion of critical objectives. I believe tax payer dollars should yield results.
As PTA president, I ensure transparency and accountability in every dollar spent on students, while providing engaging events that build community and support for parents, teachers, and students.
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?
It’s unclear. It makes a lot of sense to learn from industry experts to implement proven solutions. However, APS would benefit from solutions derived from a local perspective and tailored to Albuquerque’s students. But to be clear, my budget priorities are investing directly in teachers, classrooms, and proven interventions.
6. Do you believe that the goals and guardrails the district has adopted are still effective and relevant, why or why not?
Yes. Goals 1 and 2 focus on early literacy and math proficiency. These foundational academic skills are critical to future academic success. I believe that learning how to read is every child’s fundamental birth right. And proficiency in math is essential for thriving in today’s world and increasingly into the future.
7. The district recently changed the poverty threshold for schools to qualify for Title I funding, do you believe that was the correct decision?
Decisions like adjusting Title I poverty thresholds are among the hardest a school district faces. On one hand, we absolutely want to ensure strong schools have sufficient support. On the other, when funding is limited, we have to direct resources to those students and schools who are furthest from opportunity.
8. What’s your stance on school vouchers?
I oppose vouchers. Public dollars belong in public schools, where they serve all kids and strengthen our communities.
9. What’s your stance on charter schools?
1 in 5 APS families choose a public charter school, these are clearly valued options by our community and families. As a board member, I’ll work to ensure the district provides high-quality charter school options and that we take our role as a charter school authorizer seriously.
10. Do you believe APS is doing enough to comply with the landmark 2018 Yazzie/Martinez court ruling?
No. APS must accelerate efforts to close achievement gaps, and implement proven strategies specifically targeted to the needs of the plaintiff groups to increase achievement.
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. Cell phones should not disrupt learning, but policies must be consistent, fair, and balance safety with student needs. Because of this, I think cell-phone policy should be determined on a school-by school basis with community input.
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. As a dad of two little girls, I can tell you that there is no higher priority than the safety of our students. We must consider all options, from more student supports to technology. This must be done in a manner that provides real safety without intimidation.
Personal background
Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No.
Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No.
Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, or any misdemeanor or felony?
No.
