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How did we build the guide? City Desk ABQ and The Paper. provided each candidate free space to make their best case to our readers. Candidate responses are published in the raw,

ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD

APS Board members are elected from geographic districts across the district’s service area.

Find your APS district here.

APS District 3

Rebecca Betzen

OFFICE:

ALBUQUERQUE MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 BOARD MEMBER, School Board Member Districted

NAME:

Rebecca Betzen

OCCUPATION:
27 year teacher, realtor

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
I was a classroom teacher for 27 years. I’m not a politician.

WEBSITE:
https://www.friendsofrebecca.com/

ENDORSEMENTS:
Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, Albuquerque Teachers Federation, Dozens of local Senators and Representatives, Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Distinction

QUALIFICATIONS:
I was born and raised in Albuquerque and have lived in the North Valley my entire life. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and I spent 27 years teaching in APS middle schools—Washington, Jimmy Carter, and Garfield. My husband teaches at Valley High, all of my children graduated from APS, and now my grandchildren attend APS. Public schools are at the heart of our community and I want to keep it that way. I’m running for school board to give families a voice they can trust on the school board.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green?
Red, cheese, egg over easy at Garcias

#2: Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? Duran’s Pharmacy or walking in Los Poblanos open space.  


Isaac Alexander Flores

Isaac Florez

OFFICE:

ALBUQUERQUE MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 BOARD MEMBER, School Board Member Districted

NAME:

Isaac Alexander Flores

OCCUPATION:
Child Resource Advocate

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Ward Vice Chair, Precinct Chair 25D.

WEBSITE:
https://floresforaps.com/

ENDORSEMENTS:
Democratic Party of New Mexico LGBTQIA+ Caucus, NM Voters First. More to come.

QUALIFICATIONS:
My background in the juvenile justice system provides me with firsthand insight into the challenges faced by students both inside and outside the classroom. As a strong communicator and community collaborator, I am adept at fostering collaboration and transforming ideas into action. My progressive and bold leadership, coupled with my deep commitment to equity, embodies the energy and perspective of a new generation of leaders. My unique experience in advocacy, policy analysis, and coalition building ensures that every decision I make prioritizes the best interests of students, educators, and families.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green?
If the enchiladas can’t be from my mom’s kitchen, they would have to be from Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen. But if we are talking Chili, it’s going to be green and from Barelas Coffee House.

#2 Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? Pueblo Montaño Picnic Area and Trailhead


Danielle Marie Gonzales

Danielle Marie Gonzales

OFFICE:

ALBUQUERQUE MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 BOARD MEMBER, School Board Member Districted

NAME:

Danielle Marie Gonzales

OCCUPATION:
Senior Fellow specializing in Indigenous Education innovation and Culturally and Linguistically Responsive approaches

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
APS Board of Education (2022-present)

WEBSITE:
https://www.danielleforaps.com/

ENDORSEMENTS:
Planned Parenthood Votes New Mexico. Former US Secretary of Education John King (Obama). Everytown for Gun  Safety

QUALIFICATIONS:
I bring a unique combination of lived experience and policy expertise. As an APS alumna and a current parent of children in the district, I have a grounded understanding of our schools. Professionally, I have over 20 years in education leadership, including as a teacher and working at national nonprofits (Gates Foundation, Aspen Institute, Pew Trusts, US Department of Education).

I’m running for re-election to ensure every child in Albuquerque has access to a high-quality education, and to continue building a district that reflects our community’s values, elevates student voice, and prepares students for success in school, career, and life.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green?
Sadies. Flat enchiladas, with carne adovada and a fried egg. Red

#2 Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? Bataan Memorial Park, at Lomas and Carlisle, is a quiet neighborhood space that carries profound history. Dedicated in 1943 to honor the New Mexico National Guard’s 200th Coast Artillery, it memorializes the men who endured the fall of Bataan and the Death March in WWII. Among them was my grandfather, Agapito Silva, who survived years as a POW and later championed veterans’ voices, helping to shape the park itself. Today, Bataan Park stands as both a community space and a living memorial, reminding Albuquerque of sacrifice, resilience, and service.


APS District 5

Brian Kevin Laurent, Jr.

Brian Kevin Laurent, Jr.

OFFICE:

ALBUQUERQUE MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 5 BOARD MEMBER, School Board Member Districted

NAME:

Brian Kevin Laurent, Jr.

OCCUPATION:
Former special education teacher, current contractor for the New Mexico Public Education Department

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
This is my first run for elected office. I have served for three years on the Governing Council for Mountain Mahogany Community School in a volunteer capacity.

WEBSITE:
(none provided)

ENDORSEMENTS:
NM Voters First

QUALIFICATIONS:
I have 12 years of experience in public education at the school, district, and state levels. Most importantly, I was a special education teacher with APS, teaching 7th grade math to students with disabilities. I am running because I know all students can learn and meet high expectations. Student outcomes in APS have been too low for too long. Yet, the board’s goals lack a sense of urgency in supporting historically underserved student groups – and that is unacceptable. As a board member, I would listen to the community, ask the hard questions, and always put students first.

#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green?
At the risk of losing some votes, I admit that I don’t like enchiladas. Or maybe I just haven’t had the right enchilada yet? That being said, I’ll eat anything with carne adovada in it. Red chile, please.

#2 Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? I am a huge sports fan. During the college basketball season, I would take a visitor to a game at The Pit. The environment is loud and electric!

APS District 6

David Adam Ams

OFFICE:

ALBUQUERQUE MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 6 BOARD MEMBER, School Board Member Districted

NAME:

David Adam Ams

OCCUPATION:
Scientist

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
NA

WEBSITE:
https://www.davidforaps.com

ENDORSEMENTS:
New Mexico Voters First

QUALIFICATIONS:
I believe in the promise of public education. I was raised by a single mother, and we didn’t have much money. My mom was emphatic that a high-quality education was our key to escaping poverty. She was right. My public education served as the foundation for me to earn a PhD in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. I am an example of the fulfillment of the promise of a public education. However, this promise isn’t being kept for far too many kids today in Albuquerque. This is why I’m running for the APS Board of Education.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green?
Most of the time, if my family wants New Mexican food, we head to Garcia’s or Sadie’s. When I order enchiladas, I order red! Honestly, I prefer red on everything except for cheeseburgers.

#2 Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? I like to take visitors to New Mexico United games. I love the stadium – the food, and the atmosphere. And a United game is so much more than soccer. All different types of people come together to cheer on the team and ….have fun, and come together to support our team. It highlights the power of Albuquerque’s and New Mexico’s diversity, bringing people together, united, to show pride in our city and state.


Margaret “Warigia” Bowman

OFFICE:

ALBUQUERQUE MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 6 BOARD MEMBER, School Board Member Districted

NAME:

Margaret “Warigia” Bowman

OCCUPATION:
UNM Law Professor

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
I’ve never held political office.

WEBSITE:
https://www.warigiaforaps.com/

ENDORSEMENTS:
Albuquerque Teachers Federation, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, Planned Parenthood

QUALIFICATIONS:
I’m running for school board because education runs in my family and has shaped my life. As a product of New Mexico public schools, a former classroom teacher, and a UNM law professor, I know what it takes to support students and teachers. I will fight to keep the “public” in public schools; advocate for modernizing infrastructure; and focus on safety, strengthening teaching and learning, and protecting schools from privatization. I will listen, show up, and make decisions with families at the center, so every child has access to excellent, safe, and equitable public education.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green?
I like to go to Ay Mi Mexico on Menaul for handheld burritos.

#2 Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? There is a very nice two mile hike on Sandia Crest that goes by a beautiful meadow and ends at the CCC cabin. The hike is kid friendly and has a lot of wildflowers. Also, you shouldn’t miss the Natural History Museum and Planetarium. I also enjoy the Bosque.


APS District 7

Kristin Renee Wood-Hegner

OFFICE:

ALBUQUERQUE MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 7 BOARD MEMBER, School Board Member Districted

NAME:

Kristin Renee Wood-Hegner

OCCUPATION:
Director of Grant Administration

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
Albuquerque Liaison, New Mexico Association for the Gifted (2025- Current); Violence Against Women Grant Administrator, State of New Mexico (2023-2025); Board President, Albuquerque Association for Gifted and Talented Students (2021-2025)

WEBSITE:
https://www.kristin4aps.com

ENDORSEMENTS:
Albuquerque Teachers Federation, Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, and Representative Pamelya Herndon.  More endorsements may be found at https://www.kristin4aps.com/endorsements

QUALIFICATIONS:
I’m running to protect students, stop book bans, and advocate for every child at APS. I’ve fought relentlessly for my gifted student with disabilities, and it’s appalling that my child receives services while others don’t, just because I’m her mom. I have taught English as a Second Language around the globe, I am a child safety expert, and I bring the professional and technical skills needed to create real change for APS. I will advocate for policies to help all children feel safe and supported while receiving a quality, world-class education at APS. Our schools are 50th— not our kids.

BONUS QUESTIONS:
#1: Favorite place for enchiladas, and what’s your order?
Your mom’s kitchen doesn’t count. Where do you go when you go out for red or green?
Like many Albuquerque families navigating food allergies, finding safe restaurants can be challenging. We love the allergy-friendly burgers and shakes at Grassburger! After teaching in South Asia for two years, you’ll often find me sipping an almond chai from Annapurna’s or Meraki Coffee while browsing Page 1 Books. When it comes to New Mexican food, don’t make us choose – give us Christmas!

#2 Where’s the one place you’d take a visitor to get a true, non-touristy sense of what ABQ is all about? My family loves hiking on the Sandia Crest Trail to explore Albuquerque’s unique history from the crinoid fossils to the Kiwanis cabin. Hikers experience the full range of climates when standing in the windy pinon-juniper forest looking out at the desert volcanos. We have the most fun helping kids on the tram spot their house and school.


Other candidates for this office did not respond to the questionnaire.

Meet the candidates: APS Board is a story from The Paper.. Publishing from New Mexico’s largest city, The Paper is your source for local, independent news, covering politics, arts, culture, and events.


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