EduSolve successfully partnered with Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) to optimize federal program management, resulting in improved resource alignment, elimination of duplicative efforts, and increased efficiency in deploying federal funds. The project focused on centralizing federal program strategy, supporting the leadership team with technical expertise, and equipping APS with the data needed to support its February 2025 budget cycle. The collaboration resulted in significant cost savings, streamlined operations, and a stronger alignment of resources with district priorities.
Project Objectives and Approach
APS engaged EduSolve to centralize and optimize the management of federal funds, including Title I, Title II, and Medicaid. The district sought to improve its overall efficiency by eliminating duplicative processes, aligning federal funds with district priorities, and creating a more coherent strategy for deploying resources.
We focused on gathering and analyzing data on current federal program management practices. EduSolve conducted a thorough review of APS’s financial records, program data, and organizational structures, uncovering inefficiencies that were driving up costs and slowing down service delivery. Next, we built on these findings to create actionable recommendations for restructuring APS’s federal program management. Finally, EduSolve provided APS with a comprehensive implementation plan, including benchmarks and metrics to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.
Key Achievements
One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the realization of cost savings through centralized management of federal programs. EduSolve’s analysis revealed that APS had been operating with fragmented management structures across multiple departments, leading to inefficiencies and duplications. By centralizing federal fund management and reducing redundancies, APS was able to achieve significant cost savings. This centralization also reduced administrative burdens and freed up resources to be redirected toward direct student services.
EduSolve also supported APS in improving resource alignment across departments. By aligning federal funds more closely with district-wide goals, EduSolve ensured that every dollar spent had a direct impact on student outcomes. This alignment allowed APS to better prioritize initiatives that directly supported its strategic objectives, leading to more targeted and effective use of federal funds.
Elimination of Duplicative Efforts and Increased Efficiency
A major focus of the project was the elimination of duplicative efforts across APS’s federal programs. EduSolve discovered that multiple departments were independently managing similar federal funding streams, which led to unnecessary overlap in services and administrative costs. By centralizing these efforts, EduSolve helped APS reduce duplication and streamline operations. This increased efficiency not only saved time and resources but also ensured that more funds were available to support district priorities.
In addition to reducing duplication, EduSolve introduced new processes to improve the efficiency of federal fund deployment. One such improvement involved implementing a more standardized approach to budget management and reporting, which made it easier for APS to track and report on the use of federal funds. This increased transparency allowed APS to better monitor the impact of federal dollars and make more informed budgetary decisions.
Technical Expertise and Leadership Support
Throughout the project, EduSolve provided technical assistance and leadership support to APS’s new Executive Director for Federal Programs. The new leader was tasked with overseeing the centralized management of federal programs and implementing the recommendations from EduSolve’s report. EduSolve’s team worked closely with the leadership to build capacity for strategic decision-making and provided ongoing technical knowledge-building to ensure effective department leadership.
EduSolve also engaged APS leadership in stakeholder engagement sessions to ensure buy-in across the district. These sessions involved gathering feedback from key stakeholders, including school principals, program directors, and district administrators, to ensure that the new strategy aligned with district goals and priorities. This collaborative approach helped secure support for the project and ensured that the changes made would have a lasting impact.
Data-Driven Decision-Making and Budget Cycle Preparation
A critical component of EduSolve’s engagement with APS was its focus on data-driven decision-making. By gathering and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data on federal fund management, EduSolve was able to provide APS leadership with the evidence needed to support budgetary recommendations for the February 2025 budget cycle. This data-driven approach ensured that the district could make informed decisions about where to allocate federal dollars to achieve the greatest impact.
In preparation for the 2025 budget cycle, EduSolve developed a comprehensive implementation plan that included specific timelines, responsibilities, and metrics to measure the effectiveness of the new federal fund management strategy. This plan provided APS leadership with a clear roadmap for moving forward and ensured that the district would be well-positioned to meet its budgetary goals while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.
Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
EduSolve’s work with APS not only delivered immediate cost savings and efficiency gains but also laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability. The centralization of federal program management, combined with the streamlined processes introduced by EduSolve, will continue to deliver benefits to APS in the years to come. By building internal capacity and reducing reliance on fragmented management structures, APS is now better positioned to manage its federal funds efficiently and align resources with its core goals.
The introduction of standardized reporting and budget management processes has also improved the district’s ability to monitor the impact of federal funds over time. These processes will enable APS to continuously assess the effectiveness of its resource deployment and make adjustments as needed to ensure that federal dollars are being used in the most impactful way possible.
EduSolve’s partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools successfully addressed the district’s need for centralized federal program management, resulting in significant cost savings, improved resource alignment, and increased operational efficiency. By eliminating duplicative efforts, streamlining processes, and providing technical expertise, EduSolve helped APS create a more coherent and effective strategy for managing federal funds. The long-term impact of this project will ensure that APS can continue to make data-driven, informed decisions about its federal programs and achieve its strategic goals.
