Apprenticeships and vocational classes prepare students for careers

My name is Robert Trujillo, and I am running for APS Board of Education in District 1.

I was born and raised in the South Valley, where I attended APS schools and graduated from Rio Grande High. I’m a father of four kids who have all attended APS schools. My wife is a lifelong educator. I own and operate Robert Trujillo Construction, a small family business that has been in my family and in the South Valley for the last 35 years.

My service to the community started 25 years ago, when I helped fight to bring YDI day care to the South Valley CNM campus. As a young single father, I got involved with my community and served on a number of community service organizations and in our schools, including:

• Current chair of the Gutierrez Hubbell House Alliance, where I have been involved since 2006;
• President of the Pajarito Village Association;
• Member of the South Valley Coalition of Neighborhood Associations;
• Parent representative on the Pajarito Elementary School Instructional Council;
• Member of the Parent Advisory Committee for the ABC Community Schools Grant;
• YAFL Coach;
• Recipient of the 2008 South Valley Outstanding Citizen Award.

I have been endorsed by all educators’ unions who represent workers in APS: the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico, the Albuquerque Federation of Classified Professionals, and United Academics of UNM. Along with other unions who represent the working people of Albuquerque, I am thankful for the endorsement and support of strong leaders from the South Valley and across our city, including outgoing APS board member Yolanda Montoya-Cordova, Sen. Michael Padilla, Rep. Andrés Romero, Rep. Joy Garratt, Rep. Art De La Cruz, and more.

I am running for the APS Board of Education because I believe that every child deserves access to a high-quality education that will prepare them for success. As a member of the school board, I will work collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators and community members to make informed decisions that prioritize the needs and interests of each of the diverse communities in my district.

We need to prepare our students for academic success so that they can attend college if they choose. Additionally, as someone who works in construction, I think we need to get our apprenticeships and vocational classes back in the schools to prepare students for careers.

I am dedicated to serving our community and I believe that I can make a positive difference in the lives of our children by serving on the school board.

Early voting starts today, and Election Day is on Nov. 7.

The APS board should be in the hands of people who have the best interests of all our children, educators, and parents in mind. I want to keep our public schools funded and supported to the fullest extent.

Thank you, and I hope to earn your support and vote.