Four in the running to be next APS superintendent

The Albuquerque Public Schools board has narrowed its search for a new superintendent to four semifinalists, the district announced Wednesday.

Two top district officials — Chief of Schools Channell Segura and Chief Operations Officer Gabriella Blakey — made the cut, which eliminated 20 applicants contending for outgoing Superintendent Scott Elder’s job.

They’re joined by Mason Bellamy, chief of academics and schools for Metro Nashville Public Schools, and former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Ahart.

Bellamy and Ahart, according to their résumés, which are posted on the APS website, boast decades of experience in education. And Segura and Blakey have each referenced their intimate knowledge of APS in billing themselves for the district’s next chief.

“I’m very well versed in what our assets are and where our areas of growth are, as well as I know who the partners are within the community that I think we could gain momentum with in working together to address student outcomes,” Blakey told the Journal in December.

Segura also previously told the Journal her goal “has always been to put myself in positions where I can break down barriers that prevent kids from achieving their best. … I’ve done some of that in the position that I’m in, (and) I feel like I can bring a greater push as a superintendent.”

In a news release, newly minted board President Danielle Gonzales emphasized the importance of the decision to select the new superintendent.

“The futures of our children depend on finding an accomplished educator who prioritizes student learning and social-emotional wellness and commits to the strategic plan to make it all happen,” she said.

The board will meet behind closed doors Tuesday to interview the semifinalists and narrow them down to a pool of finalists — though it’s not yet clear how many of the semifinalists the panel will cut.

The district will then host several events Jan. 30 at the Berna Facio Professional Development Complex, 3315 Louisiana NE, for members of the public and APS employees to meet superintendent finalists. People can also submit questions for the finalists ahead of time.

Elder is set to leave the district June 30.