Michelle Blades

The meeting included a Work Session focusing on the Youth Homeless Program, including updates on ERI, attendance/behavior data, and industry partners. The Regular Board Meeting agenda covered the recognition of the FHS Band, reports from the Superintendent and Board, and several items for consent agenda approval including the Attendance Success Initiative, GOB Library funding, and the Kellogg allocation. Board of Education business included the review/approval of the Indian Policies and Procedures annual update and the approval of an Auction Inventory for buses. Advanced planning items noted upcoming holidays and future board meetings.

The meeting commenced with introductory remarks and a pledge, followed by a welcome to guests, including a veteran. The board confirmed attendance procedures, roll call voting, and public comment guidelines. Key discussions included recognizing good things happening in the Farmington School District, such as voter approval of a general obligation bond and recent election results for board members. The student nutrition team was recognized for providing meals during a government shutdown, and Native American Heritage Month activities were highlighted. Agenda items included the approval of the agenda, recognition of the Farmington High School band for their successful marching season and finals appearance at the Zia marching band festival, and the presentation of the Indian Policies and Procedures annual update. The discussion on the update involved clarification regarding the governing policy for the Indian Education Committee (IEC) and data-driven efforts to ensure equitable participation and support for Native American students, particularly in CTE programs and work-based learning.

The meeting included a Work Session covering the Strategic Plan and Data/Information Reports. The Regular Board Meeting agenda included adoption of the agenda, a Limited Public Forum, reports from the Superintendent, Staff, and Board, and a Consent Agenda covering approvals for various documents related to Medicaid, Comprehensive School Improvement, School Buses, Capital Outlay, and training programs. The Finance and Facilities section covered the 4th Quarter Cash Report and Inventory Report certification. The Board of Education section included approvals for student choir and field trips, approval of the District Family Engagement Policy, and discussions regarding improving mental health through outdoor physical education and the return to textbooks to improve student outcomes. Budget adjustments detailed in accompanying financial documentation, authorized on October 14, 2025, related to various funds including Medicaid, School Buses, Go Bond Building, and ED Tech Equipment, were implicitly part of the financial review.

The meeting agenda included a Work Session with discussions on the Strategic Plan and Data/Information Reports. The Regular Board Meeting covered the adoption of the agenda, a Limited Public Forum, and various Staff and Board Reports. The Consent Agenda involved approval for multiple financial documents and appropriations, including English Language Acquisition, Kellogg, GOB Library, Emergency Connectivity Fund, REC Ed Fellows, YCC, School Buses, NM Food Security Appropriation, Title VI, Global Glow, Anchorum Health, Perkins Redistribution Secondary, and another Kellogg item. Substantive actions included the approval of the Rocinante High School Improvement Plan and the adoption of several policies: Policy E-0550 Emergencies, Policy I-0500 Instructional Goals and Objectives, Policy I-6800 Report Cards/Progress Reports, Policy J-5440 Cardiac Emergency Response Plan-Automated External Defibrillators, and Policy J-6700 Parental Guidance for Water Safety. The Board also entered and reconvened from a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters and pending or threatened litigation.

The regular Board meeting included welcome remarks highlighting student achievements such as success in the SkillsUSA Regional Competition and the Farmington High School Lady Scorpions winning a championship basketball tournament. The Board recognized the swearing-in of newly elected and reelected members at the School Boards Association Convention. Key discussions involved approving the agenda, recognition of students and staff from the HOSA team, and a limited public forum concerning the refilling of a Social Worker position. The Board approved several items under the Consent Agenda, reviewed the 1st quarter Cash Report, and approved financial and operational requests including sending Tibbetts Middle School students to the Looking Across the Mountain Conference, approving the FHS JROTC travel to the National VEX Robotics Competition in Ohio, approving the winning proposal for furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new Farmington Preschool Academy (RFP #2026-01), approving the Turf and Lighting Projects, and approving the District online auction of buses with mechanical issues. Advanced planning included recognition of the outgoing Board President and noting the upcoming holiday break and subsequent work session.