School board chooses least popular calendar option to earn half a million more in funding

School Board member Sharon Sessions awards Sarracino Principal Holly Mayfield with a New Mexico School Board Association Award.
Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain photos

The Socorro Consolidated School District School Board voted to implement the least popular of three calendar options next school year because it will garner over $480,000 in additional state funding for the school district.

The district surveyed parents and teachers about their preference between three different school calendars for the next school year. All three calendars maintained the current four-day school week and included more hours than the current school calendar, but option C included six additional school days.

Option C also had enough additional school hours for the school district to receive an estimated $485,000 in additional funding for the next school year, information that was not included in the survey of parents and educators. Calendars A and B would have gotten the district an $892,000 budget, while adding the additional days increases the funding to $1.38 million.

The way those hours are distributed, the elementary students will have nine minutes added to each school day, while the secondary students will actually have slightly shorter school days.

The district had to increase school hours next school year due to increased requirements from the state legislature. The state also incentivized more school hours through a funding formula that offers additional money for more time in school.

The funding could be used to pay for traveling athletes’ lunches and to improve other services needed in the schools, suggested Board President David Hicks.

Two parents spoke during public comment in favor of a return to the five-day school week, while two people, including at least one teacher, spoke in favor of continuing the four-day school week.

Recognition Award Winners

The Board presented the New Mexico School Board Association Student Achievement Recognition Awards. Each Board member selected one winner.

Alumni Cody Johnston was recognized for giving back to the schools through tutoring coding. Johnston started an after school coding program, working with Parkview and Cottonwood students.

District Social Worker Frances Fuller was recognized for her dedication to supporting children, teachers, parents and administration in work at the schools.

Food Service Director Geraldine Baldonado was recognized for her work in the school cafeterias.

“Everywhere I turn around, she’s with her little hat on and feeding our kids and I want to thank you for what you do for our kids, so much,” said Board member Pauline Jaramillo.

Sarracino Middle School Principal Holly Mayfield was recognized for her continued support of robotics and her commitment to maximizing student achievement and opportunities.

Socorro High School Principal Christine Peguero was recognized for her work at the high school during many changes and challenges.