Cheryl R. Benally

The Special School Board Meeting focused primarily on the third reading of the cultural policy, including proposed amendments. Discussion covered recognition of findings related to academic achievement and cultural awareness statutes. Amendments introduced details regarding inter-cultural community outreach efforts by the Intercultural Community Outreach Department (ICO) and the establishment of a Holistic Advisement Response Team (HART) to address cultural conflict and provide guidance. Further agenda items included a summary of public comments and survey results regarding the draft cultural policy. Concerns were raised by a board member regarding the detail and scope of the proposed HART structure and compliance requirements. A presentation on survey results followed, detailing staff and community feedback concerning the cultural policy, including tenure of employees, prior cultural training, and specific input regarding Navajo Di't'ée culture.

The regular school board meeting included routine matters such as roll call verification, pledge of allegiance, prayer, and agenda approval. The consent agenda covered the approval of minutes from previous sessions, unique trip requests for SkillsUSA and a Senior Academic Field Trip, a proposal for the Bronco Bistro & Bronco Cafe Work Readiness Program, and review/approval of procurements over specified thresholds and budget adjustments/journal entries related to Title I, Johnson O'Malley, Indian Ed Formula Grant, Attendance Success Initiative, and Private Director Grants. Subsequent discussions involved recognition for Navajo Times Players of the Year, New Mexico Legislature certificates for Board-Certified Teachers, the launch of the D.A.R.E program, and recognition for achievements in the FIRST Tech Challenge Championship and Scholastic Art & Writing awards. Reports covered school improvement memos, graduation rates, graduation options for Special Education, and Accounts Payable disbursements. Action items included approval for the CCSD Gifted, Talented, and Creative Program trip to Purdue University, a Memorandum of Understanding with Nizhoni Smiles, Inc. regarding oral hygiene bags, a San Juan County Ticket Price Proposal, and a resolution for CCSD Part-Time Employees for SY 2026-2027.

The meeting commenced with routine matters, including the approval of the agenda. The consent agenda items, which were approved in a 4-0 vote (with one member not present at the vote), included approval of prior meeting minutes (excluding the current one), three unique trip requests for SkillsUSA, a Senior Class Academic Field Trip, and a proposal for a Work Readiness Program. Further consent approvals covered procurements over specified thresholds and various budget adjustments and journal entries. Discussions and actions were taken on budget adjustments removed from the consent agenda. The meeting included recognition for Navajo Times Players of the Year, New Mexico Legislature certificates, the launch of the D.A.R.E. program, recognition for FIRST Tech Challenge achievements, and the DAR Good Citizen Award recipients. Reports without board action covered school improvement guidance, graduation rates, graduation options for special education, and accounts payable disbursements. Action items involved approving a trip request for the CCSD Gifted, Talented, and Creative Program to Purdue University, approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Nizhoni Smiles, Inc. regarding oral hygiene bags, approving the San Juan County Ticket Price Proposal, and approving the CCSD Part-Time Employee Resolution for SY 2026-2027. Future discussions planned include special board meeting dates and policy reviews.

The board meeting commenced with verification of quorum. Key reports included a discussion on Impact Aid Indian Policies and Procedures (IP), which is a required document for the impact aid application. The presentation explained that the document is largely a standard template provided by the federal government, reviewed annually by the JOM Indian Education Committee (IEC). Board members expressed concerns regarding the reliance on a 'standard' document without thorough review, particularly given recent administrative changes and sovereignty considerations, although staff confirmed the document simply outlines compliance procedures, consultation with tribes, and stakeholder engagement processes mandated by federal law. The meeting also featured the December attendance report, which noted a slight increase in the district average attendance from November to December, despite an increase in chronic absenteeism across the district over the same period. The new attendance coordinator, Tia Johnson, was introduced and expressed her commitment to reducing absenteeism.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by a student from Nuke Middle School, followed by a prayer. A significant portion of the meeting involved welcoming guests, including the magistrate judge scheduled to swear in new and reelected board members, and district officials. The agenda was approved after a discussion where a board member requested that specific financial reports (Impact Aid, Ad Valorum for Carl Perkins, JM) be presented separately later. The board proceeded with the election of officers, resulting in Gary Montoya being elected as President and Rebecca Montoya being elected as Vice President. Christina J. Espas was elected as Secretary. The board then moved to the consent agenda, approving all routine matters with the exception of Item C, the board report summary for December, which was pulled for reading to the audience. The finance coordinator presented the December financial summary, detailing operational accounts payable totals ($3,127,979) and activity disbursement totals ($81,423.84), alongside outstanding check listings.