District 4: Candidate Questionnaire Heather Benavidez

Name: Heather Benavidez

District: 4

Age: 45

Education: Master of Public Administration , University of New Mexico, 2019; B.A., political science, University of New Mexico, 2010

Occupation: CEO, disability advocacy nonprofit, 10 months

Family: Joshua J. Sanchez, one child

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

Declining enrollment, facilities repair, and lack of resources for at-risk students, contribute to the overall challenge of improving student outcomes. We must prioritize expanding the special education teacher training program and incentivize these positions with a pay differential, and, repairs to the schools where they’re needed most.

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?

The safety of our students, educators, and staff is my top priority. I’ll work to enhance the district’s safety measures — active shooter drills, ALICE and shelter-in-place protocol — and increase communication channels for families, update security systems, add fencing and limit entrance points. Gun violence is a community issue.

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?

Right-sizing — repurposing schools — is an alternative to closing schools and reducing staff. Enrollment is down and many schools are old and in need of expensive repair. Before acting we must review the number of at-risk and special education students, recent school investments, and the overall needs of the community.

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?

The increase in instructional hours was passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor, and the community provided valuable feedback used in the development of the calendar and schedule. I’ve recently heard concerns from parents, students, and educators, and will continue to gather feedback as the school year progresses.

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?

The four goals — early literacy, math proficiency, post-secondary readiness, and skills/habits/mindsets for life success — were developed by the board with substantial community input. They are appropriate, feasible, measurable, and will be reviewed monthly through progress reports. They align with my goal to educate our students in a safe environment.

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

I support parental involvement in education and I support our educators. Parents can request students be excluded from specific lessons. I would defer to the educator who has the expertise to develop lesson plans based on the approved curriculum, and teaches by utilizing the appropriate instructional materials.

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?

Martinez-Yazzie was a wake-up call to us all and won’t be resolved overnight. However, we must work to increase the number of special education and dual language teachers, develop language and culturally sensitive instruction, offer wraparound services, and decrease class size.

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

The next superintendent of APS must meet the educational and experiential requirements necessary for the position and must be committed to fulfilling the mission: Educating and caring for our diverse student population, supporting their families, and partnering with the community with the promise of a better future for all.

What experience do you have overseeing a budget?

I’m currently the chief executive officer of a nonprofit that advocates for persons with disabilities. As the former judge of a municipal and magistrate court, and former chief of staff for the state Treasurer’s Office, I’ve developed, overseen, and submitted for approval, budgets in all four positions.

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

The primary role of a school board member is to represent the constituents, students, and educators of the district in decisions regarding budget approval, hiring and firing of the superintendent, developing and reviewing policy, and implementing the strategic plan.

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

Board members are not employees of the district. Board members do not address personnel matters that are not specifically related to the superintendent. Establishing positive and productive relationships with employees falls under the purview of the administration.

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

School board members are elected officials who volunteer their time to work to improve educational outcomes for students. I commend the APS board members who engage with the community, support our educators, celebrate our diversity, and, work to address inequalities in our schools to ensure student success.

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.