Q&A: BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATES
Name: Political party: Age: 34 Education: High school diploma, Freedom High school, 2005
Occupation: Independent consultant
Family: Married to Tyson Jones; two children
Relevant experience: Former executive director at Learning Alliance of New Mexico, former co-director at SouthWest Organizing Project, former youth organizer at the SouthWest Organizing Project, former Los Companero tutor/mentor with the Enlace Statewide Collaborative, current member of Families United for Education, current member of Transform Education New Mexico Coalition.
Campaign website: emma4aps.com
Name: Uche M. Ohiri Political party: Democratic Age: 60 Education: Master’s, family nurse practitioner, University of St. Francis, Jolliet, Illinois — 2017; Bachelor of Science, nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque — 2009; master’s, public administration, UNM — 2004; LLB, Nigerian Law School, Lagos — 1985; bachelor’s, law, University of Calabar, Nigeria — 1984
Occupation: Family nurse practitioner, Optum Medical Group, since May 2018
Family: Married to Emmanuel Ohiri Sr., two children
Relevant experience: Mother of two children, health care professional, have overseen medical assessments for APS student athletes, have served as an educator training nurses at CNM, worked within New Mexico Corrections Department as probation and parole officer, member of the City of Albuquerque Human Rights Board, active West Side community member.
Campaign website: UcheForOurFuture.com
Name: Crystal Tapia-Romero Political party: DTS (other) Age: 40 Education: Chaparral Elementary School, S.R. Marmon Elementary School, John Adams Middle School, West Mesa High School; A.A. business administration — CNM 2019; child development Associate — CNM 2003;
Occupation: Early childhood educator — 21 years
Family: Married to Ricardo Romero; three children
Relevant experience: Over 20 years working in early childhood education. Serve on the Early Learning Advisory Council for the Governor’s Office. Serve as the policy chair for the New Mexico Child Care & Education Association, and also served on other education boards in New Mexico.
Campaign website: crystaltapiaromero.com
What’s the biggest issue APS faces? How would you address it?
Jones: Inequity is the biggest issue facing APS. Throughout the pandemic many students and families went without resources, including technology, Wi-Fi, mental health services, support programs and meals. To address inequities we need to do several things, provide wrap-around services, support teachers’ development, pay them fairly and utilize innovative curriculum.
Ohiri: I believe our graduation rates in District 5 need to be improved. This metric is an indicator of how well APS is performing as a whole. We must improve student achievement, ensure there are equitable resources for educators (including continuing education/better training), and a safe learning environment for all.
Tapia-Romero: Lack of trust within the district. APS has poor outcomes in academic success and no sufficient accountability for the budget. I will have open and transparent communication with families, teachers and students, operate the budget with attention to detail, and account for every dollar spent.
Would you support a vaccine mandate for APS students who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine? Why or why not?
Jones: I don’t support a vaccine mandate or penalizing people who can’t get vaccinated. However, I believe in caring for our neighbors, and think we should highly encourage everyone that is eligible to get a vaccine. I believe in body autonomy, and know that one size fits all solutions don’t work.
Ohiri: As a nurse, I’ve seen how devastating COVID has been to our communities. I understand the science behind the vaccines and know that they work. Once the vaccines are approved for all APS-aged students, I would be open to some sort of mandate that is fair and equitable.
Tapia-Romero: No, I believe that decision should be up to the parent. I would follow the same policy that is currently in place regarding all immunizations required to attend school.
Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a return to remote learning?
Jones: We should do everything we can to keep students and staff safe, and in the classroom. This includes following the science, abiding by mandates, and returning to remote learning if required. However, I think we should try to keep students in the classroom, and prepare effective plans for different scenarios.
Ohiri: I saw how isolating remote learning was for a lot of our children. I believe a return to remote learning should be a very last resort — in-person learning should be prioritized and as a nurse, my background in health care will be invaluable in this decision-making process.
Tapia-Romero: Students need to be in school. Remote learning should continue to be offered to the families that want it through the current program with E-Cademy.