Magdalena school board members Rachel Montoya, Sharon Harris and Brett Bruton were sworn in by Magdalena Judge, Simon Armijo, left.

The Magdalena School Board voted to join other New Mexico school districts in support of pending litigation against the New Mexico Public Education Department, if they implement the 180-day requirement.

In November, the NMPED announced a proposed change requiring days instead of hours, effectively doing away with five-day weeks. The proposal sparked concern, drawing in almost 3,000 comments, and over one hundred speakers, in protest during the public hearing in December.

Superintendent Dr. Glen Haven reported to the board that during the New Mexico Coalition of Educational Leaders meeting, they did an informal survey and 89% of schools said they would be interested in supporting litigation against the NMPED.
He said that as members they do pay dues to NMCEL but, as the organization is short funded, they are requesting that each district interested in supporting the litigation contribute $500 to start.

The board showed support by voting to contribute $500, not to exceed $1,000.

Grading

Middle/high school principal, Chris Backstrom, addressed grading of the schools. He said last year the middle school had a poor grade and the high school was considered on target; however, this year the schools flipped. The middle school is now on target and the high school is below target.

He said the that he feels like the grading system punishes small diverse schools because if one subgroup doesn’t perform well, then the overall grade is low.

“It’s very confusing and I don’t like it,” Backstrom said. “The grading is frustrating because one kid can give you a bad grading, which to me, it doesn’t make any sense, but we are trying, and we have plans in place.”

Absenteeism

The school board, superintendent and staff discussed issues around high rates of absences. The board requested specific information on the legality on options that could be implemented through the school policies.

Ideas to reduce absenteeism included using positive reinforcement by recognizing students with good attendance, repercussions for absences, support for grandparents raising grandchildren and alternative school settings for those who struggle with attendance.

Haven said another issue he recognized was that they don’t have support outside of school such as the family court and that there is a lack of consequences.
Board members agreed to continue working on the issue and looking at policy options to tackle the high rates of absences.

In other business, school board members Rachel Montoya, Sharon Harris and Brett Bruton were sworn in by Magdalena Judge, Simon Armijo. Lynn Mayor was voted in as president, Sharon Harris as vice president and Kelby Stephens as secretary.

Teachers gave a presentation on the National Indian Education Association conference they attended in October; the notice of sale of 2024 general obligation bonds was approved, and the next meeting was scheduled for 6 p.m. on Feb.20

 

Jessica Carranza Pino, Editor