Albuquerque schools board delays action on leader’s fate

The school board met behind closed doors for five hours Sunday. “The board takes our responsibility very seriously, as well as our commitment to our constituents”.

“We totally have no trust in this gentleman whatsoever”.

Only one school board member, Peggy Muller, spoke up against the decision to close the meeting to the public. He’s been APS’ superintendent since June.

“I was surprised to learn of these charges and certainly would never have offered Mr. Martinez employment with the district if I had known”, said APS Superintendent Dr. Luis Valentino. “There is a breach of confidence”.

Even as the board shut themselves up to discuss the scandal surrounding their superintendent, Valentino wasn’t even in the room.

Jacob Gil, a parent of four children, has had enough. That employee is Chief Financial Officer Don Moya.

Asked whether the incomplete background check played a role in Martinez’s decision to leave APS, [spokesman Rigo] Chavez said he didn’t know.

Shortly after, emails leaked to the media revealed Moya and Martinez battling for authority over a request for proposal.

Martinez also worked at Denver public schools for a while.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation records show six charges of sexual assault on a child and other felony charges.

Following the background lapse and Martinez’s resignation, it was learned that he is facing the abuse charges in Denver and was set for jury trial October. 9.