Brooks lobbies for new direction

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Changes are coming to two of Albuquerque's most challenging schools.

The new superintendent wants a new approach to improve education at Rio Grande High School and Ernie Pyle Middle School in the South Valley.

Superintendent Winston Brooks admits that there's no magic answer to fixing the problems that have plagued the two schools.

However Brooks said that his main priorities are improving student achievement and raising expectations.

At a school board meeting Tuesday morning, Brooks discussed possible changes for the schools.

He said that he wants to work with board members, staff at both schools and community members who have solutions.

Brooks said Rio Grande High hasn't met the "No Child Left Behind Standards" for five years. Ernie Pyle hasn't met those standards for six years.

He plans to hire new principals at both schools.

Al Sanchez, the principal at Rio Grande, is retiring at the end of the year. Ernie Pyle's Principal, Bernadette Cordoba Martinez, is leaving the school at the end of the school year.

Brooks said Tuesday that he wants to pay teachers more as an incentive to bring and keep high caliber teachers at the two schools.

"This is going to be huge. It's going to take money. It's going to take a lot of time and energy. It's going to take a lot of sacrifice, and I want to make sure the board feels comfortable about it before we move forward," Brooks said.

Brooks also said that they may put together a commitment letter for school staff to sign.

However, all plans are still in the discussion phase.

Brooks is seeking the support of the school board. He met Monday with teachers at both schools.