Albuquerque Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Albuquerque Public Schools has 5 executives leading key functions including finance, technology, operations, and governance.

Driven by a commitment to student success, Albuquerque Public Schools educates and cares for a diverse student population, supporting families and partnering with the community to build a brighter future for all.

Leadership Roles at Albuquerque Public Schools

  • Chief Financial Officer - Rennette Apodaca
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - John Dufay
  • President - Michael Sanchez
  • District President, The Board of Education, 2 - Ronalda Tome-Warito
  • Chief Technology Officer - Paul Romero
  • Rennette Apodaca - Chief Financial Officer

    Rennette Apodaca, the Chief Financial Officer at Albuquerque Public Schools, directs all fiscal operations for the state's largest school district. Overseeing a budget that supports 142 schools across 1,200 square miles, Apodaca ensures the efficient allocation of resources to maximize educational impact. This leadership role involves managing financial planning, accounting, and reporting to maintain fiscal integrity and transparency. By optimizing financial strategies, Rennette Apodaca directly supports the district's mission of educating and caring for its diverse student population. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to securing funding, managing investments, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, thereby safeguarding the long-term financial health of Albuquerque Public Schools and enabling its promise of a better future for all students.

    John Dufay - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    John Dufay, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Albuquerque Public Schools, executes operational strategies that ensure the smooth functioning of the district's extensive network of 142 schools. Overseeing key aspects of daily operations, Dufay focuses on optimizing resource utilization and service delivery across the 1,200 square miles served. This leadership position involves managing facilities, transportation, and support services, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. By streamlining operational processes, John Dufay directly contributes to the district's ability to educate and care for its diverse student population effectively. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities are integral to maintaining the infrastructure that supports Albuquerque Public Schools' overarching mission and its promise of a better future for every student.

    Michael Sanchez - President

    Michael Sanchez, the President at Albuquerque Public Schools, directs the overall strategic vision and executive leadership for the state's largest school district. Guiding the organization's mission to educate and care for a diverse student population, Sanchez ensures alignment across all departments and initiatives. This pivotal role involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including families, community partners, and the Board of Education, to advance the district's goals. By championing educational excellence and innovation, Michael Sanchez directly impacts the promise of a better future for all students. The President's responsibilities encompass setting institutional priorities, overseeing major policy decisions, and ensuring the effective implementation of programs that serve approximately a fourth of New Mexico's public school students across 142 schools.

    Ronalda Tome-Warito - District President, The Board of Education, 2

    Ronalda Tome-Warito, the District President, The Board of Education, 2 at Albuquerque Public Schools, presides over the governing body responsible for the district's strategic direction and oversight. Leading the Board's efforts, Tome-Warito ensures that policies enacted effectively support the mission of educating and caring for the diverse student population across 142 schools. This significant role involves guiding board meetings, facilitating discussions on critical educational issues, and advocating for the needs of students, families, and educators. By championing responsible governance, Ronalda Tome-Warito directly contributes to upholding the promise of a better future for all students within the vast 1,200 square mile operational area. The District President's focus remains on ensuring accountability, fiscal prudence, and the continuous improvement of educational outcomes for Albuquerque Public Schools.

    Paul Romero - Chief Technology Officer

    Paul Romero, the Chief Technology Officer at Albuquerque Public Schools, architects the district's technology strategy and infrastructure. Overseeing the integration of innovative digital solutions across 142 schools, Romero ensures that students and educators have access to cutting-edge tools that enhance learning and operational efficiency. This critical role involves managing IT operations, cybersecurity, and the deployment of educational technology platforms. By driving technological advancement, Paul Romero directly supports the district's commitment to preparing students for a future shaped by digital literacy. The Chief Technology Officer's focus includes enhancing network capabilities, supporting data management systems, and fostering a secure digital environment, all vital to Albuquerque Public Schools' mission of educating and caring for its diverse student population across its vast operational area.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Albuquerque Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Albuquerque Public Schools?
    Albuquerque Public Schools is led by Rennette Apodaca (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as John Dufay (Deputy Chief Operating Officer) and Michael Sanchez (President).
    Who is part of Albuquerque Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Albuquerque Public Schools includes leaders such as Rennette Apodaca (Chief Financial Officer), John Dufay (Deputy Chief Operating Officer), Michael Sanchez (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Albuquerque Public Schools have?
    Albuquerque Public Schools has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Albuquerque Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Albuquerque Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, President, District President, The Board of Education, 2, Chief Technology Officer.