Kids in class after Memorial Day is an unappealing concept to many involved with Albuquerque Public Schools, according to results of a recent district survey.
The survey, administered in October, was designed to gather the community’s thoughts as district leaders work on academic calendars for the next two school years and on the APS budget for fiscal year 2025-2026.
The more than 12,000 respondents included nearly 7,000 parents and guardians, more than 3,000 school-based APS employees, about 1,800 administrative employees, almost 400 students and about 270 community members.
The district is considering two calendar options for 2025-2026. In one scenario, the school year would start on Aug. 7 and end May 28, 2026. The other option would be a school year that runs from Aug. 19 through June 9, 2026.
A majority of respondents prefer to start the school year in early August — students were most heavily in favor of it, with 85% choosing it over a late-August start. Overall, 78% of respondents chose the earlier start. The community members subgroup showed the most support for a late-August start, with 40% in favor for the 2025-2026 school year and 39% in favor for the following year.
APS Spokesperson Martin Salazar said district leaders conducted the survey to gauge the community’s preference while planning the calendars, which are subject to state requirements.
When asked about how the school district should spend momney, a plurality of respondents said the district should prioritize high quality curriculum and instruction. Results show 42% named that area as the most important place to focus district resources.
Safety and security, along with counseling and mental health support were nearly tied for second, as 13.1% of respondents called for increased safety and 13% said they saw counseling as a priority.
Nearly every subgroup of respondents listed high-quality curriculum and instruction as the top priority.
Salazar said APS is pleased with the level of response the survey has drawn, as the numbers show “our community cares and is engaged.”
Responses were gathered via the district’s SchoolMessenger communication platform and through the APS website.