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- calendar_today October 20, 2026
APS Initiates Dialogue on District's Future
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) has started a series of community meetings aimed at addressing the district’s future in response to significant declines in student enrollment. The first meeting took place Monday night at Cibola High School, launching a process the district describes as “right-sizing.”
Addressing School Enrollment Decline
The initiative is rooted in data indicating that APS is grappling with sharp enrollment decreases. In 2018, the district served nearly 84,000 students, a figure that had dropped to just under 64,000 by the end of the last school year. APS officials note that this reduction in student numbers is one of the principal factors compelling a re-examination of the district’s footprint.
Impacts on School Capacity and Resources
According to APS, the decline in enrollment is affecting school operations. Nearly one in four schools now serves fewer than 250 students, and about one in six is operating at less than half its intended capacity. District leaders say these changes influence the resources that schools can provide to students.
Community Input Central to Decision-Making
Despite references to “right-sizing,” APS stated that no decisions have been made regarding school closures or other specific actions. Instead, the current focus is on collecting input from families, students, staff, and other community members. Deputy Superintendent of Operations Antonio Gonzales emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that APS wants to make decisions that reflect the unique needs and strengths of the Albuquerque community. “I think it is important because I know that the decisions are unique to Albuquerque and Albuquerque as a community is strong and we have voice and genius within our community that can help us think of innovative, strong ways for us to proceed as a community,” Gonzales said.
Upcoming Community Meetings and Next Steps
APS has scheduled 13 additional community meetings running through the end of January. During these meetings, attendees can review relevant information and offer feedback on potential changes, including school closures and adjustments to how the district uses its resources. The next community meeting is set for Thursday at Del Norte High School.
Feedback from all meetings will be compiled and reviewed by the district in February and March before any recommendations or decisions are made. APS also encourages community members to visit its right-sizing webpage for updates and additional resources about the process.
Looking Ahead for the Albuquerque Community
The outcome of this process could lead to significant changes for Albuquerque’s schools, but APS leaders insist that community feedback will play a critical role in shaping any decisions. The district seeks to balance the realities of declining enrollment and underutilized school capacity while ensuring the continued provision of educational resources that meet the needs of the community.
Source: krqe.com.
