RFK Charter School Board

Governance Council Members
Meeting Dates & Agendas
RFKCS Board Minutes
Financial Reporting
Audited Financials
Board Meeting Videos
Tab Title
Governance Council Members

President: Mark Walch
mdwalch@aol.com

Mark received his BA from Williams college with a double major in Biology and Psychology. He then taught for 2 years in a private high school and then received a MA in Counseling from Michigan State. Mark has been involved in mental health treatment for over 40 years. He has lived in NM for the last 35 years and been involved in many educational initiatives to improve the education of NM youth. Mark’s primary intervention when working with clients is experiential and wilderness therapy. He has built and facilitated several challenge programs ropes courses for APS, and initiated the first Experiential Training program for APS. Mark has a variety of other professional interests and experiences including a Leader Mentor, professor, teacher/coach, Mental Game Coach, executive director of a not for profit organization, as well as many other community involvements ranging from business and industry and mental health work to alternative medical treatment. He is excited to be a part of RFK’s mission and to be involved in a more effective educational program.

Vice President: Carlos Caballero
rccaballero2014@gmail.com

JD University of Indiana School of Law, 1978

B.A. Political Science, Latin American Studies, Chicano Studies, UTEP, 1975Certified: Community, Economic, Housing & Business Developer, Development Training Institute, Baltimore, Maryland Housing Counselor, Fair Housing Coalition, HUD/National Council of La RazaProfessional Experience: University of Texas at El Paso, Instructor, 1998-2002 El Paso Community College, Instructor, 1987-2002 El Paso Community College, Director, Upward Bound/Trio Program, 1998-2002 El Paso Community College, Special Advisor to the President, 2000-2002 Director, Grants Housing Office, Grants, New Mexico, 2002-2004 Legislative Director, State Representative Tony Parra (dec), Austin, Texas 1993-1995 Owner, Tewa Jewelry Plus, El Paso, Texas, 1997-2001 Adult Basic Education Teacher, El Paso Independent School District, 1986-1992 Attorney, San Antonio, Texas, 1981-1985Attorney, Beaumont, Texas, 1978-1981Professional Involvement:New Mexico Public Education Commissioner, District 1, elected 2016-2020State Central Committee Member, Democratic Party of New Mexico, 2015-2021Ward Chair, Democratic Party of New Mexico, current LULAC, League of United Latin American Citizens, member since 1985 National LULAC Parliamentarian, 2015-2017 President, LULAC Albuquerque Council 34 Board Member, Region 19 Education Service Center, elected 1990-2002 Member, National School Board Association/Region 19, 1990-2002 National Organizer, Hands Across America, 1990-1991Board Member and Officer, Trinity Chicano Coalition, Community Based Neighborhood Revitalization Non-Profit, 1986-1994

Secretary: April Gallegos
gallegosa7@gmail.com

April is a dedicated, community advocate with over 20 years of experience in helping community members receive support. Passionate about the development and well-being of students, April is committed to helping shape the future of RFK Charter School by ensuring strong governance and fostering a supportive, inclusive educational environment.With a background in social justice, April brings valuable skills in community engagement, as well as a helping families navigate complex systems to receive support. As a mother of a student @ RFK, she has a proven track record of working collaboratively with school staff, parents, and the local community to advance initiatives that benefit both students and educators.In addition to serving on the Governing Council, April is involved in Society of St Vincent de Paul, Amigos Y Amigas, Inc, Alternative to Violence, as well as actively involved in parent/teacher relationships while her son was attending the school.April believes that a thriving school is one where all voices are heard, and students are given the tools to succeed both academically and personally. April looks forward to contributing to the continued success of RFK Charter School and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.In her personal time, April engages in activities that reinforce a strong connection to the local community.

Treasurer: Lawrence Barela
barela162@yahoo.com

Mr. Lawrence Barela is a native New Mexican from Albuquerque’s south valley. He graduated from Rio Grande high school and then went to the University of New Mexico and earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science in environmental engineering. He worked for the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) for 33 years and managed an annual budget of $56M and lead engineering activities at eight NNSA sites throughout the United States. He retired in 2021. His primary focus while working for NNSA was providing leadership and management of the Nation’s nuclear deterrent. He has extensive experience working with senior military and civilians working highly complex technical and political issues with nuclear weapons. His new focus is understanding how young adults learn and how he can help them on their learning journey. In his free time, he enjoys walking, fly fishing, building remote control airplanes, and snow skiing.

Bob Edgar
Edgarplace12@gmail.com

I am a retired Engineer. I have resided in Albuquerque and New Mexico since 1959 except for a few years while serving in the US Air Force. I have been involved in a number of volunteer projects since retiring including development of water systems in third world countries for small communities and rural schools and community organizing for improving communities, including schools, in Albuquerque and New Mexico. I have previously served on a number of boards. These include the Chemical Hazards Review Board established by General Electric (GE) to evaluate options for safe use and handling of carcinogens and highly toxic substances across their manufacturing plants; The Alternative Energy Board of Ethiopia, involved with alternative fuel production in Ethiopia; and the UNM Health Sciences Research Review Board involved with review of chemical safety, ethics, safety, humane practices, and more, for UNM Health Science research proposals involving studies on living species; and I have served on the Board of Trustees at the Unity Spiritual Center of Albuquerque. Currently I am a leader and member of the board for Together New Mexico (formerly doing business as Albuquerque Interfaith, Inc.), which is a non-profit focused on community organizing power.

LaNika Bullington

lanikabullington@gmail.com

LaNika came to New Mexico in 1986, graduating from Cibola High in 1993. While raising her three children as a single parent, she pursued higher education as a non-traditional-aged student. She graduated from CNM in 2012 with dual Associate degrees; completed a Bachelors in Business Administration at UNM Anderson School of Business in 2014, with a Minor in Organizational Leadership; and received her MBA from NMSU in Business Administration in 2017. LaNika has over 30 years of finance and administrative experience in the private sector, nonprofit, education, and government. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing with her dogs, cooking, baking, and watching true crime shows. LaNika is passionate about creative and innovative approaches to breaking generational cycles of trauma and oppression and believes that education will uplift future generations.

Kristi Bechdol
kbechdol@yahoo.com

If you would like to email all the RFKCS Council:
GCmembers@rfkcharter.net

Meeting Dates & Agendas

Robert F. Kennedy Charter School Governance Council Meetings are held every fourth Thursday of the month. The Governance Council meetings are held at 4:30pm at the High School. Parents and other stakeholders are welcome to attend.

President: Mark Walchmdwalch@aol.com

Vice President: Carlos Caballerorccaballero2014@gmail.com

Secretary: April Gallegosgallegosa7@gmail.com

Treasurer: Lawrence Barelabarela162@yahoo.com

Bob EdgarEdgarplace12@gmail.com

LaNika Bullington

Kristi Bechdolkbechdol@yahoo.com

If you would like to email all the RFKCS Council:GCmembers@rfkcharter.net

High School

Middle School

RFK High School Main Office Visitor Hours