On July 24, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors members heard from four candidates running for the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education. All four have children in public school, and all four are aligned with the Chamber’s education reform initiatives that put student achievement first.
The Chamber encourages its members to support these candidates in the November election:
Danielle Gonzales
Incumbent I District 3: Downtown, North Valley, Los Ranchos, Corrales
Gonzales was elected to the APS Board of Education in 2021 and now serves as board president, leading bold efforts to improve outcomes for students across the district. A proud graduate of Albuquerque Public Schools, she has spent her career working to advance equity and opportunity in education — beginning as a fourth-grade teacher and growing into roles as a policy expert, advocate and nonprofit leader.
Courtney Jackson
Incumbent I District 7: Far Northeast Heights, including La Cueva and Eldorado High School
Jackson was elected to the APS Board of Education in 2021 and now serves as board vice president. A proud New Mexican and graduate of La Cueva High School, University of New Mexico and the UNM School of Law, she brings a strong background in law, business and education to her leadership. She has focused her first term on improving student outcomes, increasing community engagement and promoting transparency across the district.
Joshua Martinez
District 5: ABQ Westside – Middle and South
Martinez is a proud father of three and a dedicated public servant running to bring fresh leadership to the APS Board of Education. He currently serves as the New Mexico Health Equity and Community Impact director for the American Diabetes Association, leading statewide efforts to support families and strengthen community well-being. Rooted in a family of public educators and involved in his children’s school community, he brings personal and professional experience to his advocacy for students.
David Ams
District 6: ABQ Heights including Sandia and Manzano high schools., Four Hills and East Mountains
Ams is a father, PTA president and accomplished scientist running for the Albuquerque School Board to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education. Raised in a working-class family, he understands the transformative power of public schools — his own path from student to PhD chemist was made possible by the support of great teachers and mentors.
It is as easy to donate to these campaigns as it is important – the APS Board hires the superintendent, and APS is fortunate to have a reform-minded, student-focused superintendent in Gabriella Duran Blakey. That could change if these candidates do not prevail in November. To donate to the candidates’ campaigns, please see the QR codes below:
