APS to combine two schools into one

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque Public School administrators say the idea of combining an elementary and middle school could make a smoother transition for some students. 

Beginning in the fall, A. Montoya Elementary and Roosevelt Middle, both in Tijeras, will become one.  This will be the first of it's type in the district.

Some parents have expressed mixed emotions about the combination.

Meanwhile, the district says the reasons for this will be to "allow the two schools to more closely align their curriculum and instruction and provide a more smooth transition as students move from fifth to sixth grade."

They also add that teachers will have the opportunity to work together more and help students who may struggle with that transition.

One parent wrote to KRQE News 13 outraged that this was going to be done with little input from parents. Other parents on campus said the experience might help their kids in the long run.

"I think it could be interesting, I just don't know how it's going to go mixing up the kids and all. I think it'll be alright especially because the schools are small, they're smaller than most public schools," said Roosevelt parent Marco.

Cee Kaye Nation, the current principal at Roosevelt will be the principal of the new kindergarten through 8th grade model school. Venesee Mildren, the current the principal at A. Montoya, will become principal at another elementary school in the district.

A community meeting will be held on Tuesday night at Roosevelt at 6:30 p.m. A model of the school will be shown to parents and questions will be answered.