By Rick Nathanson
Albuquerque Journal
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Despite continuing opposition from businesses close to the Plaza Maya building Downtown, the state Corrections Department is planning to move its administrative offices into that space as a way – at least in the short term – to close its Probation and Parole office directly across from Monte Vista Elementary School in the Nob Hill area.
That move, however, is contingent upon the state Board of Finance signing off on the purchase, something that hopefully will happen in January or February, Corrections Department spokeswoman Alex Tomlin said Thursday night.
Tomlin was answering questions from some of the 50 parents, teachers and community members who had gathered in the cafeteria of Monte Vista Elementary to get an update on the status of the proposed move.
Also present was a panel that included Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque; Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton, D-Albuquerque; Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque; City Councilor Rey Garduño; and Bernalillo County Commission Chairwoman Maggie Hart Stebbins.
The school last month was locked down as police disabled two live pipe bombs left at the Probation and Parole office. The preceding April, a parole violator slipped out of her handcuffs and fled to the school, where she hid in a bathroom until she was arrested.
Tomlin said the Plaza Maya building on First Street, near Roma, is one of few the Corrections Department has looked at that meets specific criteria for things like access to public transportation, space requirements and remodeling flexibility to provide security. In the meantime, other buildings continue to be assessed, she said.
One by one, parents of children who attend the school, as well as some of the children, told the crowd how people reporting to the Probation and Parole office across the street made them fear for their safety, and how events caused by those people ultimately interfered with and took time away from classroom instruction.
Scott Cameron, a parent of two children who attend the school, said, “two lockdowns in eight months as a direct result of Monte Vista’s proximity to the Probation and Parole office has resulted in increased anxiety and fear among our teachers and children and is unacceptable.” Further, he said, “kids can’t learn if they don’t feel safe, and teachers can’t teach when their students are at risk.”
Other parents expressed concern, even outrage, about the absence of security at the school and suggested the Albuquerque Public Schools immediately address that issue.