Q&A: APS District 6 candidates
Political party: Nonpartisan race Age: 63 Education: Master’s in literature, New Mexico State University, 2009; Spanish certification, University of Texas at Austin, 1984/85 and Colorado College, 1982/83; B.A. in English, Colorado College, 1981
Occupation: Retired in 2013 from teaching
Family: Two adult APS graduates; five grandchildren — two in APS
Relevant experience: Twentyeight years as a classroom English and Spanish middle school/high school teacher in seven districts, spanning Colorado, Texas and New Mexico; 2008-2010 writing facilitator for NMSU BioMedical students in RISE Program (Research Initiative and Scientific Enrichment)
Campaign website: josieforaps.com, facebook.com/ JosieForPublicSchools
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What’s the biggest issue APS faces? How would you address it?
Carrasco: Did not respond to questionnaire.
Cortez: Did not respond to questionnaire.
Dominguez: The health and safety of the classroom and school are the priority not only for APS but also, I would argue, for the Albuquerque community at large. We need more trained professionals on all campuses to ensure students are safe, physically and mentally. Classrooms need the correct number of purifiers.
Would you support a vaccine mandate for APS students who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine? Why or why not? Carrasco: Did not respond. Cortez: Did not respond. Dominguez: If the community wants or needs students to be in school and the surge in COVID cases increases, mandates will have to be considered. The health and safety of staff, students and families must be a priority. I would have to balance science and legal considerations.
Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a return to remote learning? Carrasco: Did not respond. Cortez: Did not respond. Dominguez: If COVID infections return to what they were in early 2020, I would be compelled to support a return to remote learning. However, I believe that the current board and administration have established policies and procedures that would make for an improved remote learning experience for students and families.