Lupita Barrio

The Board discussed and approved Policy JJID regarding sports physicals for student athletes and Policy GCC concerning employee leaves. A new subcommittee was formed to develop a scope of work for potential school board consultant services. The Board also reviewed summative assessment data, including student achievement benchmarks in literacy and math, and approved a lease agreement for Hermosa Park. Additionally, an update was provided on the Equity Council's recent activities and initiatives.

The Finance Subcommittee meeting focused primarily on financial matters, including updates on the Head Start Budget and the Family Stabilization Grant, which is a federal pilot program intended to support at-risk students, involving partnership with the Community Foundation for reimbursement-based operations. Discussions also covered Budget Adjustment Requests (BARs), specifically realigning expenditures to the At-Risk Program, and the planned procurement of electric vehicle charging stations for buses, noting their vehicle-to-grid capability. Furthermore, the committee reviewed vendor payments, including clarification on two large payments to STS for transportation services, and discussed the Fourth Quarter Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2025, including an update on cash balances across various funding sources following the cessation of COVID funding. Superintendent Ruiz announced that opioid settlement funds enabled the hiring of a fourth social worker for the attendance team.

The Finance Subcommittee meeting covered extensive financial matters, including the Head Start Budget Update, which detailed grant allocations and expenditures. Discussions also focused on the FY2026-27 Budget Process and Survey outline. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing and recommending Budget Adjustment Requests (BARs) as a consent agenda item, which included numerous transfers, increases, and decreases across various funds and functions to realign budget allocations for instructional materials, professional development, and staff compensation. Other items included recommendations for the approval of Property Dispositions for unusable equipment totaling $135,559.96, and Vendor Payments, which involved detailed queries regarding expenditures for software renewals, laptop purchases, and food services, including sourcing policies for poultry versus ground beef. The subcommittee also discussed potential funding concerns for Title III and Title I Part C funding.

This document outlines the state-wide assessment schedule for the 2025-2026 academic year, detailing various screenings, progress monitoring, national and international assessments, early childhood evaluations, federally mandated tests, and placement exams. Key components include timelines for Beginning-of-Year, Middle-of-Year, and End-of-Year assessments for subjects like ELA, Math, and Science, along with specific tests such as WIDA, Amira ISIP, iReady, Dynamic Learning Maps, Avant STAMP, PSAT/NMSQT, NM-ASR, SAT School Day, and NM-MSSA. The calendar, finalized by the New Mexico Public Education Department, also includes ongoing classroom formative assessments, aiming to monitor student proficiency and growth indicators throughout the school year.

The agenda for this regular session included an introduction covering the call to order, roll call, welcome of the Student Advisor, the Pledge of Allegiance, a performance by the Mayfield High School Jazzers, and approval of the agenda, minutes, and consent agenda items. Recognitions included the NMAA Southwest Athletic Director of the Year. The Superintendent's report covered updates on school visits, community outreach, the Jardin de los Niños Partnership, and the Blue Ribbon Committee. Old Business involved the second reading of Policy KG (Non-Monetary Agreements) and Policy GBEC (Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Workplace). New Business included discussion and possible approval of a Board Goals (BA) Regulation update and a Memorandum of Understanding with Northern New Mexico College. Strategic Plan benchmarks addressed instructional outcomes for literacy and math, mental health and wellbeing, and safety, alongside Finance, Procurement & Budget items such as vendor payments and budget adjustment requests.