New APS superintendent not too cool for school: Durán Blakey urges APS leaders to 'be bold', reject 'status quo'

The Wednesday morning scene at Highland High School looked like any other pep rally. Student leaders, a cheer team and dance squad entertained the crowd. Tongue twisters and other icebreakers hyped up the people in the stands.

A rumble of stomping feet heralded the main speaker at the Welcome Back Kickoff assembly.

Except this time, it was grown-ups — Albuquerque Public Schools officials, principals and other district leaders — in the bleachers, chanting, clapping and echoing call-and-response activities. The first day of school for first through 12th graders is Aug. 7.

New APS Superintendent Gabriella Durán Blakey, a proud Highland High graduate, came in with a fanfare only Mr. Worldwide could provide.

“I Believe That We Will Win” by Pitbull was not only Blakey’s walk-up song, but a “theme song” for the district — although Blakey admitted some of her earlier song choices had been rejected.

“The team vetoed many of my songs,” Blakey said. “(But) we get this awesome song — and if you listen to the words, it really speaks to the work we have ahead of us.”

That work requires a bold approach, Blakey said, addressing APS leaders. Only 38% of APS third graders are proficient in reading, she said. Only 26% of eighth graders are proficient in math. And only three out of four APS seniors are graduating on time.

“Quite honestly, the status quo is no longer an option. Playing it safe is no longer an option. Avoiding ruffling any feathers at all costs is no longer an option,” Blakey said. “Because our students are struggling — and they need us.”

Part of her plan includes a listening tour and community engagement programs. Let’s Talk — a new APS communication platform open to students, their families, staff and the community at large — will allow people to ask questions and share their experiences with the district. The goal is a response within two days.

Blakey brought in reinforcements for her speech, with quotes from Nelson Mandela, a video of Denzel Washington and a presentation from the more-local Emily Howard, one of the cofounders of the “Stop Bagging, Start Bragging Movement,” which aims to change negative connotations about Albuquerque.

Students hear negative talk about their schools, their communities, Blakey said. She wants to change that.

“I think it’s even more important that we try not to say negative things around our kids,” Howard said Wednesday. “They’re the ones that are listening the most to what we have to say, believe it or not.”