Q&A Albuquerque Public Schools Board Isaac Flores (ended campaign)

Name: Isaac A. Flores

Political party: Democrat

Age: 27

Education: Political science with certification in public health and wellness.

Occupation: Child Resource Advocate

Family: Engaged to be married.

Relevant experience: Violence prevention and Nurturing Parenting Educator, Child resource advocacy, and Community-based support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Juvenile corrections.

Campaign website: FloresForAPS.com

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

Our most vulnerable students are not progressing at an acceptable rate because we continue to approach education like a business; children are not numbers on a spreadsheet. I support a funding model that directs resources to the most needy students and schools. Public education dollars should stay in public classrooms.

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

The primary role of a school board member is to be a voice for the students, parents, and educators they represent. This includes creating meaningful policy that improves the education of students and pushes the district toward a direction that advances student outcomes.

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

The Board's performance concerns me because our students are not at grade level, and our minority students are falling further behind. There is an alarming approach taking place, one in which education is inching toward a corporate model. What we need is fresh and bold leadership rooted in on-the-ground experience.

4. What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

Budget oversight is about our values, not just numbers. I have experience in decision-making and accountability. I’ll ensure resources reflect our community’s priorities and make sure our funds support positive student outcomes. Transparency and fiscal responsibility will be my priorities.

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?

I believe this decision was the right call due to the lack of resources for our minority students, including our Martinez-Yazzie population. We must do all we can to help all students.

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

Students cannot improve literacy and math proficiency if they do not feel safe. The fact that safety is not in the goals leads me to conclude that the current goals are not effective. With respect to the guardrails, I notice a lack of implementation, such as family and community engagement.

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

Poverty affects outcomes. The change was a disastrous and consequential decision that caused fewer schools to qualify for much-needed funding. How can the Board state they are outcome-focused and then create an environment that negatively impacts our most vulnerable students?

8. What’s your stance on school vouchers?

I do not support school vouchers, the result of which siphons much needed funds from our public schools. I believe we need to keep funds in our public schools to build a better future for the majority of students.

9. What's your stance on charter schools?

Every charter school needs to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure accountability and high standards so that our students succeed and have every opportunity to reach their full potential. We need to make sure we keep funding in our public standard and charter schools.

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

APS is not doing enough to comply with the Martinez Yazzie court ruling. Our most vulnerable students are going backwards. Equality and equity are not the same, and not all of our students start at the same place. Our approach needs to be reevaluated because it is currently not working.

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?

There should be a balance between access and learning. Parents must be able to reach their children for safety reasons. This is why I believe it is important to use a restricted use model that allows for phones to be away while in class but available during lunch and breaks.

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 urgently create a comprehensive tracking system to track threats and their outcomes, as well as increase funding for mental health services on campuses and intervention teams to detect threats and warning signs early. There needs to be secure campus entry points, low-profile metal detectors, and clear backpacks.

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