District 1: Candidate Questionnaire Robert Trujillo

Name: Robert Trujillo

District: 1

Age: 43

Education: High school diploma

Occupation: Contractor business owner

Family: Alma; 4

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

Student outcomes, performance.

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?

By implementing increased education and awareness on the dangers of firearms and encouraging the district to work with law enforcement, community organizations, and parents to conduct workshops that encourage open dialogue to address safety concerns and shared responsibility. Regular policy reviews are key to ensuring they remain relevant and effective.

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?

I would defer the district professionals.

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?

By having clear and transparent communication for the reasons for the changes, engaging the community in conversations about what’s working and what needs to be changed, assessing the impact of the changes on students' academic performance and well being, and being open and flexible to conduct ongoing discussions.

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 am in line with all the goals and (guardrails). I was on the community input committee to set the goals and guardrails. I think it is a great start.

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

A parent rep in the IC committee would advocate for the school.

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?

By (bringing) in (greater) community supports and high expectations for student learning.

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

I want a local person that knows our communities and the issues they face. True leader. willing to work with the community. Hard worker.

What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

I am the owner of a construction company and I oversee the company's budget and payroll.

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

To set policy, oversee the superintendent, approve the budget.

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

Not any.

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

I believe that the board is starting to go in the right direction. I am fully on board with the student outcomes and the goals and guardrails.

Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?

Yes. It was while researching this question that I learned of a lien dating back to 2014, when a former accountant did not pay our business payroll taxes even though we sent payment to him for these taxes. I also learned that the accountant is now in jail for related crimes. Through our attorneys we are now going through the process to remedy and pay the lien.

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?

Twenty years ago, I walked in on my then-wife and my then best friend engaging in inappropriate conduct and I reacted in a way I'm not proud of — and assault charges were brought against me. All charges were later discharged entirely, and I was never convicted. I do not condone violence in any form.