Chamber sets closed meetings on education.

Byline: Andy Lenderman alenderman@abqtrib.com / 823-3659

They aim to improve public schools, but their first meetings with nearly every education power that matters are being held in private.

The members of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday declined to release a schedule of meeting times and dates with several business, government and civic organizations, where chamber members hope to sell their new school overhaul plan.

The public, or "grass-roots" people, will get a chance to discuss the report in a series of open meetings after July 12, said Terri Cole, chamber president. They are not yet scheduled.

For now, the chamber is meeting behind closed doors with the likes of Gov. Gary Johnson, Senate President Manny Aragon, House Speaker Raymond Sanchez, state Board of Education President Flora …