Vanessa Gonzales

The agenda included a motion to table items A through C. A presentation was given regarding transportation services, noting the mission is to provide safe and efficient service. Key statistics for the year included 19 routes (with six contracted out), 408 athletic/activity trips, over 158,000 passengers transported, and over 230,000 annual miles driven. Team highlights included a driver becoming an SBI instructor and the mechanic becoming a certified state school bus inspector. Accomplishments involved implementing new routing and activity software, training three employees for CDL, and handling all mechanical issues in-house. A vehicle contract was implemented to track asset checkout. Future plans discussed included removing Head Start students from buses following a directive, expanding the route back to Watos due to increased student ridership, and reviewing the potential replacement of older buses due to high mileage and wear. There was a discussion regarding fuel usage tracking and vendor reliance. The audit report was presented, concluding with an unmodified (clean) opinion on financial statements, an unmodified opinion with no findings on the single audit/compliance related to federal funds, and no significant disagreements with management. Audit adjustments were minimal, not affecting cash basis accounting or monthly board reporting.

The meeting agenda included approval of the agenda for the March board meeting. The finance committee reported on its meeting from March 18th, reviewing February 2025 bank reconciliation reports, various fund reports, purchase orders, and budget updates which indicated a potential revenue reduction of approximately $63,000. The committee recommended approval for several budget transfers (BARs) with various increases and one decrease. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the basketball championship team, discussing their high state ranking, their respectful conduct, and celebrating their state championship victory after four years of attempting. Furthermore, the chapter presented on FFA state judging conference competition and registration, detailing student qualifications, contest dates in Las Cruces, and requesting support for travel expenses and contest fees. Additionally, there was a presentation regarding the parliamentary procedure team's performance at the state competition and plans for future events, including competing at Florida.

The meeting proceedings involved several key discussions and actions. Initial agenda items involved procedural motions, followed by a presentation where the student board member was noted as attending. Discussions covered contract negotiations related to benefits aimed at achieving lower prices across multiple districts, and the process for pulling out Requests for Proposals for architects for a new project's schematic design. Further agenda items included approval related to a professional services agreement with a law office and discussions regarding capital project funding, including tax setting for future years (2025 and 2027). A motion was approved regarding an SD election resolution. Discussions also took place concerning an obligation resolution, matching funds requirements for projects, and a general bond election resolution. Technology funding was addressed, specifically regarding educational technology needs with projected payback periods. Personnel matters arose, including discussions about staff salary increases (4%) and requests for salary information for specific individuals, which led to a debate about the scope of public disclosure. The meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel matters and a potential building option, and subsequent discussion confirmed the date for the next regular meeting in August.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and minutes from the July 17, 2025 regular board meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation regarding a two-year pilot project for electric school buses in the state of New Mexico, following a memorandum of understanding signed in January. The pilot involves deploying one electric bus per participating school district for six weeks to collect operational data, covering mechanical training, driver training (including regenerative braking techniques), and first responder familiarization. Discussions also covered financial matters, including the review of July 2025 financial reports, budget adjustments, and a $5,000 donation from Paul for the high school football team. Further financial discussion focused on athletic funding, specifically increasing coach stipends from $10 to a recommended $13 due to budget constraints, and clarifying that sports club fundraising money is allocated to specific team needs rather than the general fund.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the January 15th meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the public information session, where a former educator voiced concerns regarding discrimination, retaliation after receiving legally protected accommodations, selective enforcement of policies, and overall low morale, leading to teacher turnover. This speaker urged the Board to review retention data and administrative accountability. Public input also included a community member thanking the administration for prioritizing students, specifically praising the Athletics department for ensuring adequate hydration for soccer and baseball teams, and announcing the donation of two coolers to the baseball team. The financial report covered the review of operating accounts, payable items, revenue/expenditure reports, payroll journals, and fund balances. The Finance Committee recommended several budget adjustments, including transfers between functions and an increase related to the public education department. Finally, under old business, a presentation was given by Energy X Global regarding a proposed lighting and solar contract, emphasizing cost savings and energy efficiency improvements, requesting ratification of contracts approved in December.