Sasha Blanco-Ramirez

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education is discussing concerns and potential solutions regarding the contract with Stride Inc./K12. The issues include non-compliance with contract provisions, student-teacher ratio violations, student-to-counselor ratios, math, reading and science proficiency rates, attendance rates, assessment participation rates, graduation rates, student turnover rate, and procurement concerns. The board is also discussing allegations related to personnel, suspension and debarment, and the potential for future online programs.

The agenda includes recognition of the 2024 NMAA State Wrestling -- Miyamura High School and Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Competition Winners from Tohatchi High and Ramah High. The agenda also includes discussion and action on bids, proposals, and use of existing contracts related to custom apparel, professional development, refrigeration and boiler services, and customer service kiosks. Further discussion will focus on financial matters, including budget adjustments and initial budgets, and approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Navajo Area Indian Health Service Gallup Indian Medical Center (GIMC). The agenda also includes the disposal of fixed assets, approval of board participation in a School District Finance Workshop, and approval of the 2024-25 Universal Student Dress Code for Gallup McKinley County Schools.

The agenda includes recognition of Indian Hills Elementary Repair, election of officers, and approval of minutes from the July 24, 2023 regular meeting. The consent agenda covers bids, proposals, existing contracts, financial matters such as budget adjustments, student affiliation agreements, memoranda of understanding, donations, student research approvals, cash transfers, out-of-state travel, transportation contractor closeout, and disposal of fixed assets. Additionally, the agenda includes a study circle with public comment, a superintendent report with presentations, and notices and communications. New business involves approval of the Audit/Budget Committee.

The meeting agenda includes recognition of student achievements in various competitions (BPA, TSA, SkillsUSA, HOSA, STEM Challenge, Film Prize Jr., Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, and New Mexico Envirothon). Financial items on the agenda include budget decreases, increases, adjustments, and approvals of bills. Disposal of fixed assets from various schools and departments will also be considered. A study circle will include public comment, a superintendent report (website overview and update on language assessment), and notices and communications. New business includes approval of the 2025 election resolution. An executive session will discuss litigation strategy related to several lawsuits and a debarment.