Rachael Mesillas

The meeting commenced with roll call and confirmation of a quorum. Key agenda items included the approval of the current meeting agenda and the approval of the October meeting minutes. Discussion involved updates on community interactions, particularly successful events featuring the adult program's coffee trolley, such as participation in the Los Ranchos fall festival and Albuquerque Museum night. Updates were provided on a new hire for Honeybadger Industries, Mr. Dusty, who will support the coffee industry program component of workforce initiatives. Significant time was dedicated to an update on the development of the adult workforce training center. Furthermore, the formal acquisition of the Avenue PM reading assessment instrument, developed in partnership with Penn State and the University of Minnesota, was reported. This tool is nationally recognized for assessing reading for deaf, hard of hearing, and ASL-using students. Updates on building progress for the new facility included the application of colored stucco and an invitation for invested community members to a sneak peek tour on December 12th. A report from the student support coordinator covered pioneering approaches to integrating social emotional health, trauma-informed teaching, and the administration and adaptation of student self-evaluations, including the Holistic Student Assessment, in collaboration with partners like Harvard Medical School's McLean Hospital branch.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the November 2025 meeting. The Executive Director provided updates covering events, staffing, grants, North Fourth Arts, and progress on the new building. The status of the Annual Governing Board Training was noted. New business included the unanimous approval of a contract with Jennifer Martinez related to the Puente Para Los Ninos Grant Application. Financial items approved included the November 2025 Payroll and Accounts Payable reports, as well as specific BARS reports.

The meeting included discussions and possible actions concerning the approval of the meeting agenda, updates from the Executive Director and the Board Chair, a status update on the Community Schools Initiative Report, and the status of the Annual Governing Board Training. New business involved the potential approval of a contract with Jennifer Martinez regarding the Puente Para Los Ninos Grant Application. Financial items included potential approval for BARS, the November 2025 Bank Reconciliation, Payrolls, and Accounts Payable Reports.

The special board meeting included discussions and approvals related to hotel travel rates for a workforce summit conference in Washington DC, specifically addressing rates exceeding the bylaw limit. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved several budget adjustment requests (bars) presented by Miss Sarah, including a decrease bar for fund 28133, an increase bar for fund 28133, an increase bar for fund 26107, a decrease bar for fund 26107, an increase bar for operational adjustments, and an initial budget bar for fund 24120.

The ASLA Board meeting included discussions on the staff meeting, growth in the number of kids, groundbreaking on the new building, charter renewal, and the acquisition of North Forth Arts. The board also discussed the launch of a workforce development program, a trip to DC for a workforce conference, and potential state initiatives. Additional topics included budget applications, lottery results, waiting lists, and media coverage. The golf tournament and North Fourth were also discussed.