District 1: Candidate Questionnaire Janelle Astorga

Name: Janelle Astorga

District: 1

Age: 26

Education: Bachelors in Chicanx studies and political science from the University of New Mexico

Occupation: Co-director of Learning Alliance of New Mexico (2 years)

Family: N/A

What’s the biggest issue APS faces? How would you address it?

Inequitable funding and the current bell schedule are huge issues. We need to meet schools where they are at by having individual assessments to identify what is needed, create a plan and budget and create approval methods by the board to ensure all schools are treated equitably. We also need our budget to prioritize infrastructure.

Albuquerque saw more guns on school campuses last year than any other year in recent memory. As a board member, how would you shape policy to address this issue, and to increase school communities’ feelings of safety while on campus?

Prevention: Inside schools, we need DEI training, trauma-informed care, mental health resources, and rehabilitation processes. Outside of schools, we need common sense gun reform and safety workshops for parents. Intervention: Self defense classes, ongoing conversations about emotional control, behavioral health, and gun-safety. Support: Budget for more counselors and social workers, peer support, and mediation programs.

As APS continues with its districtwide effort to right-size, what would your priorities be when faced with tough decisions about reimagining or repurposing schools?

All schools should receive the resources needed for teachers and students to stay in our schools without having to right-size and for students to flourish in their education. If we do have to repurpose schools, buildings should be used as community spaces where families have access to social services help, food pantries, health clinics and possibly affordable housing.

APS students this school year will be in school longer and have different bell schedules than last year. How will you support students, educators and other staff through this transition?

I plan to meet with teachers to develop solutions and ensure teachers get paid for the extra hours they stay before and after school. I plan to create a better system for family and community volunteers to be in schools during this time as we navigate possible solutions.

The current school board has laid out several goals for APS for the next five years. To what extent do they align with your goals as a board member, do you think they’re appropriate, and do you think they’re feasible?

I agree with the four goals of the strategic plan and believe we have to work closely with the new superintendent. We must ensure the implementation and roll out of these goals is done equitably and involves staff and community to decide the best way their schools can accomplish each goal.

How much input should parents have in the curriculum and instructional materials used in their children's classrooms?

Parents have the right to transparency — to know what is going on in their students' schools. We also, however, need to trust that our teachers will provide a well-rounded, diverse, and high-quality education to our youth. Students also deserve the support and resources needed to excel in their education.

It’s been five years since the landmark decision in the consolidated Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit. As a board member in the state’s largest district, how do you plan to help Albuquerque’s most underserved students?

Center student equity while ensuring students' needs are met through a health and wellness lens. Support teachers and staff by investing in infrastructure and resources and then focus on closing academic opportunity gaps through high quality curriculum and instruction. This must be done through a racial justice outlook on our education system.

The school board is currently in the process of looking for a new superintendent. What do you want out of that person?

We need a superintendent who believes in transparency, understands our diverse culture and the backgrounds of our students, and has a comprehensive understanding of racial equity. We also need someone who understands the significance of community schools and how to best create community driven environments.

What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

I have over five years of experience overseeing budgets in the range of $100,000 to $1.2 million through my experience as a board member, co-director, and a development coordinator within multiple community nonprofit organizations.

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

School board members are advocates for our constituents and have the power to create and change policy that reflects the needs of the district. Our students, families, and teachers should be at the center of APS decisions. Transparency is very important to me as a future board member.

What role should board members have in district negotiations with unions over issues facing school staff?

Board members need to trust our local union and school staff on their needs during negotiations. Our choices should come from the voices and experiences of those inside our schools. I hope to have open communication with my constituents so that they may feel comfortable enough to share their needs with me.

How would you evaluate the current school board’s performance?

At this moment our school board has not been putting students and teachers first. We need board members that support teacher salary increases, student voice, and culturally diverse curriculum.

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.