Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Rebecca Betzen

Name: Rebecca Betzen

Political party: Democrat

Age: 54

Education: UNM, B.A. in Elementary Education, UNM, M.A. in Education

Occupation: Former APS Middle School Teacher, 27 years; current Thrive Real Estate

Family: I am married to Gary Montoya. He works at Valley High School. We have four daughters. My kids and grandkids have all attended APS.

Relevant experience: I was born and raised in the North Valley and taught in APS for 27 years. My husband, kids, and grandkids are all part of APS too. I’ve spent my life in this system, both as a classroom teacher and as a parent, so I understand how it works from the inside out. I've also served as PDSA classroom (Baldridge), AVID Coordinator, Testing Coordinator, After school program Coordinator, Mentor teacher, Technology Coordinator.

Campaign website: www.FriendsOfRebecca.com

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

The biggest issue APS faces is restoring trust and safety, especially around gun violence in schools. I’ll prioritize stronger safety measures, mental health support, and real community input—because families need to know their kids are safe, and their voices matter. We build trust by protecting students and being present.

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

A school board member’s primary role is to make decisions that put students first. That means managing the budget, supporting educators, protecting students and our public schools, and ensuring families have a real voice in what happens in their children’s schools. We must always remember that this board exists to serve students and families—not corporate interests. Our responsibility is to ensure public education reflects community values of equity, transparency, and opportunity for every child.

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

The current board has made important decisions without family input, and trust has been lost—especially around school closures and safety. It’s time for new leadership that listens, shows up, and puts students, teachers, and community voices first. We need a board that leads with transparency, accountability, and heart.

4. What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

Having worked at APS for 27 years, I understand well the importance of transparency, equity, and accountability when it comes to budget decisions that impact our kids. I used to manage the technology budget at Garfield andI also managed the afterschool program budget along with payroll and activity funds for the program.

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, I believe ending the contract was the right call. The Council of the Great City Schools often served as a barrier between the board and the community, giving cover for ignoring parents' real concerns. In fact, one CGCS policy that the board implemented was even found to limit free speech according to the ACLU. APS needs local solutions, not out-of-touch consultants. We should invest in listening to our own families.

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 have too often been used as a tool to silence important community conversations and restrict meaningful input, especially when it comes to critical issues like school closures, HVAC issues and student safety. How we measure the goals and guardrails also matters. Using a more comprehensive approach that takes into account our diverse student population as well as the critical needs of students. We need to reevaluate the corporate jargon that is alienating parents from participating in conversations.

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

While I agree that directing more funds to schools with higher poverty rates ensures a fairer distribution of resources. I do not agree with the way in which the change was rolled out. Normally schools get a year to adjust their budgets when losing Title 1 funding, that did not happen here.

8. What’s your stance on school vouchers?

I strongly oppose school vouchers. Public funds should stay in public schools, where they serve all students. Vouchers weaken the system we all rely on. I’ll fight to keep public education fully funded and equitable. I believe every dollar of public money should strengthen our public education system. Public dollars must stay in public education to serve all students, not subsidize private interests.

9. What's your stance on charter schools?

Charter schools need stronger oversight and accountability. While some serve students well, too many operate without transparency and pull resources from traditional public schools. I believe in investing in APS, not undermining it. Every public school should have the support it needs—not be forced to compete for basics. Charter schools should be held to the same transparency, equity, and accountability standards as public schools.

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

APS has made some progress since the Martinez/Yazzie ruling, but we’re not nearly where we need to be. Too many students—especially ELL students, Native American students, students with disabilities, students experiencing poverty—still lack the resources and culturally responsive support the court demanded. We need urgent, sustained action to fully deliver on those promises.

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, changes should reflect the new state law while balancing student focus and safety. I believe the district should create clear, consistent policies developed with input from students, families, and educators. Phones can be tools for learning but also distractions—we need rules that support both responsible use and strong classroom engagement.

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, kids shouldn’t have to worry about their safety when they’re trying to learn and graduate. “See something, say something” isn’t enough. We need real prevention—more mental health support, secure entrances, and community partnerships—to create safe schools where every child can focus on their future without fear.

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