School Board

President: Mark Walch

Email: [email protected]

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: Kristi Bechdol

Email: [email protected]

Secretary: April Gallegos

Email: [email protected]

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

Email: [email protected]

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

Email: [email protected]

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

Email: [email protected]

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.

Ann Lyn Hall

Email:  [email protected]

If you would like to email all the RFKCS Council:
[email protected]

GC Meeting 8 22 24