Scott Elder says his time in Albuquerque Public Schools has been filled with victories and challenges.

Elder, who officially retires June 30 as superintendent of New Mexico’s largest school district, issued a farewell letter to the community May 24, discussing his 33 years with APS and his plans going forward.

Elder wrote that he’s “fascinated by the possibilities generative artificial intelligence presents,” and will be working with others to explore ways to use AI in the classroom to benefit students.

“I’m excited about what the future holds, but sad to be saying goodbye to this place that has been such a big part of my identity for most of my adult life.”

The light bulb

Elder began his APS career as a substitute teacher. During a stint at Highland High School, he learned that the debate team needed a coach, and volunteered.

“Working with those students and helping them grow was an amazing experience that gave me a window into what I wanted to do with my life,” Elder wrote.

He spent about 14 years at Highland and also worked at Eldorado High, McKinley Middle School, Early College Academy and Sandia High School. 

Moving up

Elder later entered administration and was named the district’s chief operating officer in 2016. He was appointed interim superintendent when Raquel Reedy retired in 2020 and was selected for the permanent job in March of that year.

“I haven’t forgotten what it means to be a teacher, or the impact they have on students’ lives,” Elder wrote. “I firmly believe there’s a special place in heaven for middle school educators. And I know that being a principal is difficult but gratifying work.”

President of the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, Ellen Bernstein has worked with Elder on labor contracts and other matters.

“We appreciate his years of dedication and his leadership,” she said.

The Board of Education selected Gabriella Durán Blakey to replace Elder, whose contract expires June 30. Blakey is acting superintendent for now, and Elder has been taking vacation days and representing the district at selected functions, including graduations and APS Education Foundation Gold Bar Galas, district Spokesperson Martin Salazar said.

It’s been an honor

“Leading APS has been an honor, one that has afforded me amazing opportunities,” Elder wrote. “I’ve loved interacting with students, participating in read-a-thons and spelling bees, and speaking at the state student council conference. I’ve met interesting people, from governors, senators, and mayors to community members and grassroots people just trying to make a difference in their community. And I’ve worked with colleagues at the national level on the best path forward for improving outcomes for our students.”

Elder took the reins at APS as the COVID-19 pandemic began to surge. That meant managing the district’s transition from in-person classes to remote learning and back again. He said he’s proud of the “Herculean job” the district did in that effort.

“I’m incredibly proud of the difference I’ve made in students’ lives and am thrilled every time a former student walks up to me to tell me how,” Elder wrote. “And I’m proud that I had the opportunity to run the school district in the city where I was born and raised.”

Words for students and staff

The letter ends with an exhortation to students in Albuquerque, with Elder citing their talents in music, speech and debate, the performing arts, athletics and elsewhere.

“Never doubt your ability to be brave and to do amazing things,” Elder wrote. “Push back against anyone who says you can’t.”

For his colleagues, the message was to stay focused on what’s really important.

“Never forget how much our work matters,” Elder wrote. “Never get so tied up in bureaucracy and paperwork that you forget how lucky we are to be surrounded by young people or that we’re making a difference.”