Who are the faces on Albuquerque School Board?

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.)-  The Albuquerque School Board is littered with various members with distinguished backgrounds. OpGov.News is highlighting the faces on the school board ahead of today’s meeting. 

From left to right: Betzen, Bowman, Martinez, Tome-Warito, Benavidez, Jackson, and Astorga. Photo Credit: Albuquerque Public Schools Website

Janelle Astorga represents District 1, and her term began in 2024. Astorga’s term ends on Dec. 31, 2027. 

Astorga was one of the youngest members to join the school board, starting her role at 26 years old.

 She is a licensed substitute teacher and is co-director of Learning Alliance of New Mexico. 

Astorga delivered a message to her community when she was hired in 2024, which can be found on the Albuquerque Public Schools website. 

“To my community, this is only the start,” Astorga said. “We know that there are some things that we want to change, some things that we want to keep and support, and I hope that I am that voice that you all voted me in to be and that I make you all proud.” 

Ronalda Tome-Warito represents District 2 and began her role on Jan. 3, 2024. She is the first Native American to serve in District 2 of Albuquerque Public Schools. 

Tome-Warito also represents the New Mexico School Boards Association, Indian Policies and Procedures Meeting, APS Education Foundation, Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and School Health Advisory Council. 

Tome- Warito emphasized children and education when she was hired in 2024. 

"I hope my term offers a different lens to see all children, especially those of color, who have not only felt the traumas of what the schools have done, but to hope, heal, and be successful,”  Tome-Warito, who has a liberal arts degree with an emphasis on special education from the University of New Mexico, said. “We all need to recognize that we all have a responsibility to our students. It will take everyone to make sure that this district does what we need to. 

Rebecca Betzen represents District 3 and began her role this year. Betzen’s term ends on Dec. 31, 2029. 

According to the Albuquerque Public Schools website, Betzen belongs to the Finance, Community Engagement, Audit, Local Government Coordinating Commission, and Albuquerque Bernalillo County Community Schools Partnership.

Heather Benavidez represents District 4 and has a background in public service.

Benavidez previously worked as a municipal judge for the City of Rio Communities and as a magistrate judge in Valencia County.

The Albuquerque Public Schools website states that Benavidez firmly believes that public education is essential to a healthy democracy and that it must be protected. 

Benavidez has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of New Mexico. 

Joshua Martinez represents District 5 and, like Betzen, began his role this year. Martinez is involved with community engagement and the School Health Advisory Council. 

Dr. Wariga Bowman represents District 6 as finance committee chair.  Bowman began her term this year. 

Bowman previously worked at the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she taught water law, administrative law, natural resources, and property. 

Courtney I. Jackson represents District 7, serving Albuquerque Public Schools since 2022. 

Jackson, her husband, Wade, have two daughters who have been enrolled in APS since 2013 when their oldest started kindergarten. 

She has served on the APS Education Foundation, has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of New Mexico, and a law degree from UNM School of Law. 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.