4 days ago
APS Board members respond after vulgar text messages sent during board meeting
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque Public School Board Members are responding to controversy after a text message between a board member and her husband used vulgar language to describe the board's vice president. During last week's APS School Board meeting, members followed along on their laptops as they gave results of a self-evaluation.
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Education: APS Board members respond after vulgar text messages sent during board meeting
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Board member Heather Benavidez called out the board on attendance, which then sparked a debate about one member who has missed many meetings while on maternity leave. 'But during that period, this board member did attend one meeting, so was she on leave or no?' said Benavidez.
Benavidez's husband was following the meeting and sent a text to his wife, which popped up in large print on her laptop. Someone took this photo that has been circulating. KRQE News 13 obtained the picture.
Her husband wrote a vulgar message about board member Courtney Jackson. It said, 'Courtney is a c***, which Benavidez liked, and wrote back, 'a stupid one at that.' He went on to state, 'There is no maternity leave,' and Benavidez wrote, 'What a crock of s***.'
Jackson sent a statement saying:
I was made aware of the comment and reached out the next morning, in accordance with our Board Governance Manual, to address what was clearly a hurtful and inappropriate personal attack. Through texts and a conversation, I expressed my hope that we can bring our focus back to students, where it belongs, and that board members can uphold a basic level of respect and decorum, even when we disagree.
What was on display that night was disappointing and lacked the integrity we each committed to when we took this role. No one said we always have to agree, but we do owe one another respect. We are role models for the district. Disparaging comments only bring down the important work we're here to do.
Though we did have a conversation, there has been no apology for the words used, which is unfortunate. But, I remain committed to rebuilding trust and modeling the leadership our students, families, and staff deserve.
Benavidez sent a statement:
During a recent board meeting, an unfortunate breach of my privacy occurred when someone took a photo of my computer screen—capturing a private conversation—without my knowledge or consent. I have since addressed and resolved this matter.
As we approach the start of the new school year, my focus remains firmly on improving student outcomes. I am committed to moving forward and will not allow distractions or actions that seek to undermine my integrity or dedication to detract from the important work ahead.
APS Board President Danielle Gonzales sent this statement:
I will not comment on the issue directly. The APS Board of Education has established procedures for addressing concerns related to board member conduct and performance. We will utilize the appropriate channels as outlined in our governance manual to ensure that any issues are handled accordingly.
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