Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Courtney Jackson

Name: Courtney Jackson

Political party: Republican

Age: 50

Education: J.D., University of New Mexico School of Law – 2004; B.S. Biochemistry, University of New Mexico – 1997; La Cueva High School – 1993

Occupation: Mom, APS School Board Member, Executive Assistant at Economic Forum of Albuquerque and Community Volunteer

Family: Two (2) children; widow

Relevant experience: My children attend APS. I have four years of serving as an APS board member, leading policy changes and strategic planning initiatives focused on student success. This work is leveraged by prior board leadership with the APS Education Foundation, PTA, and Junior League of Albuquerque, along with numerous other community organizations, to bring impact and status quo disruption to APS.

Campaign website:www.CourtneyJackson4APS.com

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

The biggest issue facing APS is enacting the change needed to ensure every student reaches their full potential. We’ve made progress with clear, data-driven goals and stronger board oversight, but we must continue to drive change that focuses attention and resources on improving student learning, rather than social agendas.

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

The primary role of a school board member is to provide strong, results-oriented governance to the superintendent in order to produce successful educational outcomes.

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

The board has made important progress by adopting clear student-focused goals, aligning the superintendent’s contract to outcomes, and increasing accountability. While challenges remain, I believe our work is strongest when we stay focused on student learning and achievement.

4. What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

As a current board member, I help manage the district’s $2 billion budget guided by a new policy that puts student needs first in every school. Resources are directed to learning priorities and give school leaders flexibility to make changes that improve outcomes, especially for students who need more support.

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?

Since the APS Board is currently in the procurement process, I am unable to answer this question without risking liability for the district or violating the terms of the process.

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

Yes. The goals and guardrails were big changes, set by the community and monitored by the board, and they remain effective and relevant. They’ve driven progress in reading and math, career and college pathways and community engagement. We must stay the course, executing the strategic plan and holding APS accountable to these priorities.

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

I support the district’s change to the Title I threshold because it aligns funding with student needs. By using a data-informed, student-centered approach, the board increased transparency and accountability, ensuring more funding gets to the classroom.

8. What’s your stance on school vouchers?

Vouchers are not allowed under state law, so this is outside the district’s control. What I can do as a board member is ensure parents have excellent public education options. We must guarantee Albuquerque families access to high-quality district, magnet, and charter schools, empowering them with meaningful choices for their children.

9. What's your stance on charter schools?

Public school choice strengthens APS by expanding opportunity and accountability. Rather than limiting options, APS should collaborate with district and charter schools to meet demand. Families deserve high-quality choices, and I will continue defending their right to select the best public school for their children.

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

APS is making progress in fulfilling its responsibility to ensure all students, including those in the Yazzie/Martinez decision, have the support they need to succeed. But more work remains. We must stay focused on our board goals, using a multi-pronged approach to improve learning and outcomes for every student.

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?

Cell phones are a distraction and impact student learning. I continue to support current district policies, that are in line with and adopted prior to the new state law, that limit the use of phones during the instructional day.

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?

We must do everything to ensure students and teachers are safe. Students and staff are asking for stronger consequences when rules are broken. Beyond safety infrastructure, disciplinary actions must be tougher. In today’s culture, we must model and expect civil discourse while protecting everyone’s right to learn and teach.

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