School board members have selected Dr. Gabriella Durán Blakey as the next superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools.

Her selection, by a unanimous vote, was announced at a press conference this morning, concluding a search that began in October.

Board of Education President Danielle Gonzales noted that the search included numerous meetings and listening sessions, as well as a community survey that drew more than 7,000 responses from the public. 

“Our choice reflects what you told us,” Gonzales said. “You know how much she cares. You know how innovative she can be. You know how ready she is to make changes to benefit our students and staff.”

Gonzales said Blakey is best equipped to address the public’s concerns about safety, equity and transparency, and to implement the district’s Emerging Stronger strategic plan.

Blakey said she felt humbled to be chosen, but that the community knows and trusts her.

“I can’t count how many times I’ve talked about working to improve Albuquerque Public Schools,” she said. “Now, I’ll be doing it as the next superintendent.”

She thanked the board for choosing her, as well as the community members who participated in the process by sharing their concerns.

“I hear you, and I want you to know that I have a plan,” Blakey said in the press conference. She said that during a final interview last week, she shared with the board a 90-day plan she plans to implement after taking the reins from Superintendent Scott Elder, whose contract expires June 30.

Blakey said that among her immediate priorities will be assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the district’s academic programs and evaluating APS’ financial position.

Other goals she mentioned include strengthening relationships with the board, parents, teachers and community partners.

“But most importantly, I will do everything in my power to improve our student outcomes,” Blakey said. “Let me tell you, I already have my sleeves rolled up.” 

Gonzales said the current and future superintendents will work together as the transition approaches. Blakey said she and Elder already have a good working relationship.

An APS veteran

Blakey, a 20-year APS veteran, is currently Chief Operations Officer for the district. She’s also been a social studies and English Language Learners teacher, an assistant principal, principal and associate superintendent. She was also assistant superintendent for curriculum and professional development with Santa Fe Public Schools.

When asked for her first message to students and parents, Blakey said that she wanted them to understand that “we’re going to do great things together.”

She described being named superintendent as surreal, but also said it gave her great pride and that she hopes that girls in Albuquerque will see her rise to one of the key positions in the state as evidence that they can accomplish whater they work for.

When asked for a message to parents and students, Blakey said the main thing she wanted to say is “I believe in you … we’re going to accomplish things together that we never thought possible.”

According to her contract released at the press conference, Blakey has been signed for a term of two years with an annual salary of $295,000. According to APS’ website, Elder’s current salary is $241,020. Gonzales said Blakey’s pay is on par with those of leaders of other large school districts.

By comparison, the superintendent of Denver Public schools will earn $329,400 this year, and the superintendent of Metropolitan Nashville Public schools $285,000, according to available public records. APS’ enrollment is 35th in the U.S., between Denver (34) and MNPS (36). 

Blakey was among 24 applicants for the position. The board selected two other finalists. Mason Bellamy, Chief of Academics and Schools for Metro Nashville Public Schools, withdrew his candidacy before the final public forums.

Thomas Ahart, an educational consultant and the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa, was also a finalist for the job.