001Um I did not open >> watching for you. >> Okay. Okay. It is 6:02. Um I call this meeting to order and we do have a quorum this evening. Thank you guys for joining us as well. Um, would you like to lead us in the pledge? Pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nation with liberty and justice for all the state of perfect among the cultures. >> All right. Thank you guys for coming. Um we appreciate it. Um tonight we do have um Mrs. Batista, myself, and Miss Nancy Miles um for the minutes. Um item three, consent agenda. Do we have a motion to consent the agenda and a second? >> I motion to approve the agenda. >> A second agenda. >> Okay,
002we have a motion and a second. U motion by Miss Batista and a second by Mrs. Miles. Motion passes. Um 3B, consideration to approve minutes of previous meetings, regular board meeting on January 12th, 2026, and special board meeting January 20th, 2026. I move we approve the uh minutes of the regular board meeting on January 12th. >> Okay, we have a motion and do we have a second? >> I second. >> We have a motion and a second. Motion passes. Item four, reports construction report 4 A. >> Okay, just a little um I guess knowledge piece on the consent agenda. You only need to pass the consent agenda as a whole. So you don't have to not all the items. Essentially the consent cons consent agenda encompasses things you would typically pass and so somebody may
003pull that off something off of that consent agenda but um typically you can pass it with one one motion. >> Okay. So >> Okay. >> So in terms of new school construction um you guys should have had some pictures hopefully. Um we've made some great progress um in the last month in terms of new school build. Um so this first picture you're looking at um we have selected the site of our current middle school site um based upon a lot of uh looking at what's best for our school in general as well as where what site can hold um the needs for our building. You'll see on this picture um you'll see the Dexter Middle School piece in black and then you'll see uh the white piece of the middle school with the lines through
004it. So this is a two-phase project so that way we don't have to dis we don't have to interrupt u middle school learning. And so the first phase we would take all of the white um including the the old gem down first and then we do have enough classrooms as well as utilizing a few of the high school classrooms to utilize that one wing of the Dexter Middle School to begin with. So this just showing kind of an aerial view of what that would look like. Um the round building is also tied to the middle school. So currently it would stay up for phase one. Wonderful. So here is a more detailed drawing of what new build would look like. This picture really looks at um exclusively the drop off pickup piece of that. So
005that to me is a really important piece. If you've ever been um here during pickup or drop off in the afternoon for just middle school and high school kids currently, it is a lot of kids everywhere. And we have had elementary school before and that is doubling essentially the size of the number of parents picking and dropping off. So you will notice um Decker did a really good job of this was to me our biggest need for them was we need to get kids off of Lincoln and we need to have a really good flow system of students being able to be picked up, dropped off with school buses um as well. And so this drawing you'll see that they will come off of um Lincoln here and we'll have a parent lane and then
006we'll also have a bus lane here so that way kids can load students will be able to load and unload off the back side and then they'll exit on Butler. Um, with this we will be able to gate it off during the school day so we won't have parents being able to come come and go, community members, anyone we don't want um, being able to be at the back of the school. Um, but this kind of gives us a view of what does it look like in terms of um, vehicles around the school. We also, you'll notice, will have a um visitor parking lot here, which is much needed for all of our games. Um whether it's football or for basketball games, this centralized parking is essential because currently most of our people are parking
007on the street. Um but with this, it also gives us an option of having high school pickup in which it is funneled specifically as well. So that way we're not having currently the traffic from everyone both ways. Um and we'll be able to guide traffic a little bit differently than currently as we just have parents picking up kids seeing their parents and they just jump in somewhere. >> Lastly, we have um And this is still being currently worked on um in terms of what the building will look like and specific spaces. But here's an idea. Um one centralized entrance here. As you notice, most kids will be picked up dropped off at the back. So we still have entrances that are separate from each other. Here in green, you'll notice that we have admin spaces.
008um priority for us was to have the gymnasium middle school up front and center because it is utilized in the community in lots of different ways. It's also close to the parking lot across the street. Um so easily accessible. We then have a middle school wing that's by itself and then you'll notice elementary wing also. That way we can keep the separation. That was a big thing to the committee is to ensure that um not that we don't want to mingle students but that only intentionally do we have students intermingling um based upon the needs of of the time. Um so we're still working on this. This is kind of where we're at in terms of specific spaces. We're digging into um what this looks like at this time. We still can make changes to
009everything. Um, so if you guys can make our meetings, um, Miss Miles, you and Miss Kobos, um, if we have, which we will next week, have another all, um, committee meeting, if you guys can make those, that's where we're making those decisions in terms of what does this need to look like and information. >> Is there any questions, thoughts? >> No, it looks good. >> Yeah. Can you go down to the second one? That one. um right next to the parking lot. What are what's the plan for that one-story building? >> So, this is our one-story building. This is be going to be considered our CTE space. >> Oh, nice. >> So, it'll house our middle school um CTE as well as some space for elementary school to do STEM um stuff. We we have
010not built out that space in general yet. Um, we do know we have a need um for I want to call it home but for culinary um in terms of where we're currently located as well as aligning that middle school all the way through high school. And so that's a priority um for that space as well as technology. >> Gotcha. And then the multi-purpose field is just big field for PE whatever practice. >> Yes. there's some specific names uh with PSFA that you must adhere to in terms of ensuring that they will help pay for um the beautifification of sites and so with multi-purpose we can utilize it for PE class um recess if a teacher wants to take their kids out there lunch or anything else. >> Nice. So they're pulling out all the
011old tennis courts etc. >> Yes. Everything will be removed at that point um on the second phase there. >> Cool. Got it. Awesome. >> All right. >> So, if you would like to donate, we would love, you know, raetball or >> pickle ball. >> We'll put in a court for you there. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Any one month >> more fluid. Yeah. >> Made a lot of >> We have a question about their playground. >> Yes. And so currently district says elementary school playground here. Uh we haven't necessarily in terms once we have specific classrooms then we'll be able to lead it out to um our K prek playground in which will be separate and then the majority of this playground will be utilized by elementary. Um but we do know that middle school
012sometimes needs a space as well. So, um, we've even looked through like what does playground equipment look like? It appears upper third grade to 8th grade can kind of utilize most of the same playground equipment. So, as we get ready to purchase, that's also something that we want to ensure that it's we can use it in a multitude of ways. Um, so we'll also look at our littles one and two if we need specialized equipment. Um we have taken this as well to fire um and our police department just to look at what does it look like for safety concerns. Um how do they enter the building? What do they need to ensure that that if there was a fire or if there was a safety measure, what does that look like? Um and so
013we've taken some of those into account when we do playground equipment at the back. Um it'll be important that we can get a fire truck in there. So playground equipment um placement will be important at that time. any >> awesome very exciting >> one month can do a lot and I think in the next month we'll have some solid plans as well as a plan for Decker to come down and present this to community and we will invite all community to come um and just give us feedback because at this time we can still make changes um and it's important that if we choose to do that we do it now in this phase versus when we get into the phase where We're actually out of schematic design and it's more construction. Okay, >> thank
014you. See if I can get this Okay. Um, student teacher report. Um, item four, student teacher report, middle school opening ceremony team, >> and they are here to present uh our middle school FFA group. Um, they competed last week and so go ahead. Well, look very nice. The meeting room will now come to order. We are now holding a meeting of the Dexter FA chapter. Madam Vice President, are all officers at their stations? I shall call the ro officers determin if they're at their stations and report back to you Mr. The sentinel >> station by the door. >> Your duty is there. >> Through this door pass many friends of the FFA. It is our duty to see that the doors open to our friends at all times and that they are welcome. I care
015for the meeting room and paraphernalia. I strive to keep the room comfortable and assist the president in maintaining order. >> Reporter station by the flag. Why by the flag? As the flag covers the United States of America. So I strive to inform the people in order that every man, woman, and child may know that the FFA is a national organization that reaches the state of Alaska to the Virgin Island and from the state of Maine to Hawaii. The treasurer station by the Washington. I keep a record of receipts and dispersements just as Washington kept his farm accounts carefully and accurately. I encourage thrift among the members and strive to build up our financial standing through savings and investment. George Washington was better able to serve his country to be financially independent. The secretary stationed by
016the year of corn. >> Your duties there. >> I keep an accurate record of all meetings and correspond with other secretaries wherever corn is grown and FFA members meet. >> The adviser >> hereby the owl. >> Why station by the owl? The owl is a time-honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom. Being older than the rest of you, I've been asked to advise you from time to time as the need arises. I hope that my advice will always be based on true knowledge and ripen with wisdom. Madame Vice President, why do you keep a plow at your station? The plow is a symbol of labor and sword. Without labor, neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much. My duties require me to assist at all times in directing the work of our organization. I presided a meeting
017in the absence of our president whose place is to meet the rising sun. >> And why is the president so station? The >> rising sun is the token of a new era in agriculture. If we will follow the leadership of our president, we shall be led out of the darkness of selfishness and into the glorious of brotherhood and cooperation. Mr. President, all officers are at the station. >> Thank you, Madam Vice President. >> The secretary will call the role of members. >> There are nine members and numerous guests present. Mr. President, >> thank you. FFA members, why are we here? >> To protect brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsibilities and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess. >> May we accomplish our purposes. I now declare this meeting of the Dexter
018FA chapter fully open for the transaction of business or attempt to any manners to properly be presented. We have some announcements from our time at New Mexico Leadership Conference. I would like to recognize my fellow members of the opening closing ceremonies team who competed at Junior High Leadership Contest representing Dexter FFA and the New Mexico FFA District 5. When I call your name, please stand. Alyssa Dez, vice president. Manny Carrasco, secretary. Camila Escobido, treasure. Aubrey Prito, reporter, Key Raglin, Sentinel. Aiden Sbrano, student adviser. As well as our alternates that memorize multiple parts, Kimmy Rodriguez, Manny Carrasco, and Rodriguez. We also want to recognize our junior high Creed contestants that represented Dexter FFA and New Mexico FA District 5. Diego Sanchez, Healey Raglin, and finally, we would like to congratulate the following Dexter members of their
019accomplishments from this weekend. Jesse Hell, fifth in prepared speech. Melanie Martinez, second in Spanish cre. We would like to thank our school administration, district administration, and the school board for your continued support of the Dexter FA program. >> Mr. President, >> the chair recognizes the report. >> I move to adjourn this meeting. >> Second. >> It is moved and second to adjurnn. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose same sign. >> The eyes have it. Motion passes. Mr. Secretary, do you have a record of any further business which should now be transacted? >> Does any member know of any new or unfinished business which should properly come before this meeting? We are about to adjourn this meeting of the Dexter FA chapter. As we mingle with others, let us be diligent in
020labor, just in our dealings, courteous to everyone, and above all, honest and fair in the game of life. Fellow members and guests, join in salute to our flag. To the flag of the United States of America and to the for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I now declare this meeting ajourned. >> Congratulations to all. >> Congratulations. That was wonderful. I needed that. I like it. >> I know. We could take We could take from that feel free to come. >> Yes. Thank you guys for coming. Thank you. >> What's your next step? What what >> what is our next step? >> Well, for this part, we're done. But I'm hoping like with the eighth grade team that we have here, we can move into something as greenhouse
021called conduct of meeting, which would be opening ceremonies, um three basic motion, one privileged motion, and then a motion to adjurnn and then closing ceremony. But then we've also already started our career developments um practices. We've been going strong with those now for about two weeks. Um and we currently have about 53 members showing up weekly to practice on 2019. >> Oh, that's amazing. >> That's really exciting. >> You have nothing to do on Monday or Tuesday nights. They're there till 7. So >> come on over. We got through land design nursery would be over there right now. Dairy >> AGA food science whoever showed up. >> So question how many of you were just like oh my gosh FFA I want to do it. Like so so okay all of you. None of you
022were just like I don't know what this is. A friend just struck me into this. You all wanted to do it. >> Nice. What were some of your big takeaways from your competition? What did you guys learn the most >> or see something that you liked and said, "I want to figure that out." >> I think like maybe like getting more confidence like getting more involved in it >> and like wanting to like consume with it, like go bigger, >> right? >> Yeah. It's very cool. Like not being scared to do other competitions and not fear who other people. >> Yeah. pitching you. Anybody else? >> I really like the conversation. I think it's really cool how they do get places and I really really want to compete in or anything like that and hopefully
023one first place to go compete at >> Oh yeah, it' be fun. Indianapolis every year, right? >> It depends on the contest. So last spring we took two different teams and eight students to um right outside Oklahoma City for land and homesite and then they took four students to national convention to Indianapolis for farm business management and we'd like to take a couple more. So question, who knows what the number one fear in the world is? >> No, nobody knows. >> Public speaking. >> So dying is the number two fear. Public speaking is the number one fear. Um and so it's really fun, right? Like because I I work with people all over the nation and and there's a ton of people who are absolutely terrified to do what you just did, right? To stand
024up, to project, to stand tall. And so that was very well done. So well done. Kudos to you guys. I imagine that took a lot of poking and proddding. >> It does. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. So very well done. It's a skill that you will truly need everywhere you go. It It will make people look at you differently. So well done. >> Thank you for presenting for us. We appreciate it. >> Thank you for your time. Yeah. >> This is an option if y'all would like to have this at the march in an SBA meeting. >> Would you be willing to do that? Oh, I think that'd be wonderful. >> I agree. >> Do you know about the March region meeting? Regional meeting >> actually for that one that's coming. >> When is that?
025>> March 23rd. >> And it's board members that come from all over this region of New Mexico. And so it's a gathering of board members and state board state level state level board members as well. And um we meet in the spring and in the fall and each each district takes a turn hosting it. They do it alphabetically. So we're up. It's ours. >> Well, and I'm going to while we're talking about it with the students, I wanted the students to understand members that it's a really great opportunity for you to show the power of FFA >> and it's this district. I tell them all the time, this district, we're incredibly fortunate because we have such a strong presence and we have such a strong support system in this district. And I've been other places
026where we don't have that. But once other school boards see studentled career and technical organizations, it makes a big difference and it makes a big difference within the building and it makes a big difference with how administrators and schoolboard members and community members look at the opportunity that we're trying to provide our kids through strong CTS. >> And with that being strongest, it's currently what was you looked at today? Over a million 1.2 2 million members nationwide. That is the largest CTSO organization in the nation. And the more support we can garner for our fellow chapters, the stronger our state becomes, the stronger our agricultural base becomes, and the more students we have that are career >> and the more leaders we have. You know, I mean, if we want to grow in agriculture, we
027need we need the leadership from you guys. You know, somebody that's not afraid to to grab it and run with it. And then we can always you can always get somebody to help you and build that strong foundation underneath you so that you can we can all continue to grow. But it does take a very strong leader to actually um lead the pack in in any department you know. So, >> and so when we have the meeting, it is a dinner and in in the evening and a part of it every time is a student presentation and traditionally the students from that school. I know when we were in Roswell, there were multiple schools that um presented, but we would be honored if you guys would be willing to do that your make your presentation
028that night on on behalf of your of your chapter. That would be very cool. >> And you don't have to necessarily commit 100% tonight. You can look at the date. >> Well, actually, they were pretty excited. >> Okay, then you can commit tonight. Awesome. >> Thank you for coming. >> I know. I bet. Very cool. >> Awesome. Hello, Miss Lopez. >> Hello. >> How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Good. Good. >> Okay. Item four. Um, C board reports, which we have them on there. No, we don't need to go over them unless anybody would like to address anything out of them, but >> but then also board report from our la our training this last week. >> Oh, yeah. So, yeah, I was trying to blow right through that. So, uh yeah.
029Um board reports. >> Okay. Thank you. Um yes. So on on for board reports, uh we attended the the NMSBA and we learned quite a bit. Um always appreciative to attend those. It is very hard to get away. Um one for our f from our families and work and you know it's nice to get away a day but myself I'm a whole body. So after like day one, I'm ready to come home because I know my kids and my wife are helping out with the chores. So, um, but we did learn quite a bit and we did network. Um, very excited to develop some of those relationships that I and Miss Molly uh Pierce were able to touch base with and and hopefully we can bring that to you guys real soon with further knowledge
030and and the strategic planning, all that kind of stuff. It's just super cool. Um okay. Um we don't 4 D superintendent report. >> Okay. So to start the superintendent report with while we were gone to the NMSVA uh we had several members receive um awards and so we will present those. um for exemplary award. This is for the um hours that words members each have to attend. And so based upon the number of hours that you've attended um there's like levels in terms of um the base level and and as you go up, we had one member who is no longer with us, Miss Wanita did 31 hours um of training last year. So that's very impressive in terms of of the number of hours. Um, so the first one goes to Miss Nancy Miles
031and she received an exemplary award for earning more than 20 hours as a board member. So >> Oh, actually these all they even match the cute little >> Oh, wow. Thank you. >> And then again, Miss Wanita Siggoia, um, she received an exemplary award. Miss Kelly Kovs received an exemplary a um an outstanding leadership award, completed 36 cumulative training hours at level two. Miss Linda Lopez also completed 36 hours of training. Lewis Douglas received two awards, one for exemplary training and then one for leadership achievement for level one. So you're level one your first year um that you um are a board member and you have to attend 10 hours of training and then after that it's five hours of training for every consecutive year. So our boards but everybody met the mandatory training requirements.
032So >> out of 80 out of 80 >> out of 80 they didn't say >> seven I think it was >> I I do believe I think that's right. So pretty impressive in terms of these board members really do go to the trainings that and and more than they actually need to to learn. So thank you guys. >> Awesome. >> Thank you guys for all your hard work and going to these meetings. Andrea, I set the bar kind of high. So, >> she's like challenge accepted. >> Let's just um I'd like to give a shout out to substitutes multiple times this year already. Um I lost count when we got to about October. We've had more than 15 subs pick up. Um there was no subs, no date last year in which we needed 15
033subs in one single day. So that's impressive in terms of we have our subs that are showing up for us when we really need them. Um we still have days in which we have a few openings in which we have to use our people from within, but I would say like thank you to all of our subs for that. Um because if we can get 15 of them here in one day, that's that's a pretty impressive number. We have began uh begun access testing for our student our ELLL students. Um DHS is currently working with future focused education to complete the graduate profile. So some of you might remember we had meetings on that previously. We have touched base back with them now. Um and they're going to help us complete the entire piece of
034that. There's a lot more than just um the basic profile of a graduate. And so what we'll do is we'll use that profile of a graduate that we've already created as well as if we need to revisit um when they come back and fully flush that process all the way through. So we'll have that to share with you guys. Um accreditation, you guys have the PED clarification about board training. I'm going to give just a little summary on that. any new board member who is elected and opts to come to the December meeting. So, Andrea did um those hours will count for the following school year. Um so, she did receive those hours that will count towards this next school year because that was a concern that if we're sending these new people, are they
035actually getting to count those hours because they do fall at the end of a cycle for accreditation? So the rest of you once you've already served your initial term, December hours only go towards that current school year. >> Wow. Y >> So that's just important. If we do need to to get a few hours, December is our last chance to do that. But new board members have that opportunity. >> So it goes from January to >> December. Yes. It is not the same as um the school year, which is kind of odd, but we will keep up with it. The other um new piece is for those of you who haven't been um December or February, they do QR codes for everything. And whenever you scan the QR code, put the code in, fill out
036all of their information, they send you an email stating that you initially did did that. If you would forward those to me, I'm keeping them in a file. Um last year, we did need to um fight essentially for to ensure that that Lewis's hours counted in the right place. So if we have that information, we're able to at least collect it in case at the end somebody says we didn't attend the number of hours that we needed and we'll have documentation. Do >> you need those for this past December meeting? >> If if you have them, if not just for future, I think it would be good if we just collected them. >> We did all of those. >> So it's okay. I I just was a thought that came up and I think it
037would be nice if we could keep those together for the purpose that >> your stuff may have already posted right online. >> I don't believe it has but that doesn't mean that it has or hasn't >> just because initially they said that we were like low on hours right and then >> Yeah. >> but everybody Yeah. um New Mexico vistas. Uh we did share those last meeting and and we've shared them previously as well. Um but it was a new PD requirement to place those vistas in the newspaper and so we had by fe February 8th to get those um in there and so I also included that memo. We did um put it in the paper in Rosel. Um that is something that superintendents in general will probably fight in the future because the
038newspaper is really um somewhat of an outdated source for a lot of readers. The other thing is it's really expensive for school districts. We were lucky. We put in a 5 by9 and it costs $700 in color. Um a lot of our other school districts were paying upwards of 2,000 or more. So something that we are aware of that is not necessarily accessible for all. And then we do have some um school districts that also don't necessarily have a local paper. Then uh current job postings, we have middle school skills for success, EA, just a reminder um skills for success is what we used to consider life skills. So that way in case you're wondering about that classroom, um we have educational library assistant at the high school, substitute teacher, substitute custodian, and volunteer coach
039are currently posted. Um positions that we have not posted based upon awaiting budget, elementary school library, EA, social studies teacher at the middle school. So, we're waiting um budget and we are probably going to be about a month behind than than usual because of the session is a shorter session. Yes. But they push the SCG for January back to February um date and so we just anticipate everything to also move backwards from that. Um so we are prepared to to continue to look at that. CES plan. Um, in terms of strategic planning, I just kind of need some options in terms of dates that we would like to kind of get started, a day of the week that works better for you guys as we look towards strategic planning. I think we should get on
040this sooner rather than later. We have the quote, everything is good to go, but we just need to set the initial date um to get everyone together. Okay. >> I have more flexibility than anyone. So, you guys work around your schedules and >> Okay. Um, do we need to check with them and see what openings they have available for the rest of the month or >> I guess if you guys would kind of give me like Mondays are the best for us towards the end of February and that way I could kind of stick towards a parameter, not necessarily a certain date. Uh but that would make it more flexible in terms of I mean obviously we won't do it on >> Mhm. >> on the board meeting but if there is an option in
041which >> then I'd have to check again. So the first meeting is there going to be a virtual meeting or or is there going to meet for a few hours or or >> we will meet in person um >> because I believe it was like a two-day workshop, >> wasn't it? So, and it is spread out a little bit in terms of the amount and first one would be within February. >> I I think that it would be best if we could get on it. If we need to push it out to to March, we definitely can. But um just a reminder, March 23rd is the NMSBA regional >> meeting that we have. Um and then we also have a spring break in there um as well. So I I will be at spring budget
042during spring break. So really for the most part my f schedule is pretty flexible. I just have two dates that I'm out of town in March. Um but otherwise February is clear. I can I can work I can easily flex my hours at work because there's nothing pending. I just had all of our interim corporate budget stuff last week, so I'm clear. So the initial is a school district needs assessment. And so I think with that um after work would be prefer preferable for us to get a really large community pool with that. Um, I think that's important for us to add that, you know, we really want community input in this plan because that's what this it's bridging all of these ideas and putting them together um for the district. But that's the first
043piece is the district's needs assessment. >> Okay. I am um booked all of the next week, but I'm open the following week. So from the 23rd through the 27th I am. And does Monday work best for you guys? Is there >> Monday's clear best? >> Yeah, I don't have anything set in my work schedule for the next couple weeks that >> I don't either, but I'm pending um a date for a funeral. So, it just depends on I won't know until hopefully by Wednesday. So, I don't know. I really don't know just because if we know by Wednesday, depending on how they set it because family's coming out of town, I don't know if it'll run into that. >> Okay. >> Either next week or next or the following week. >> Um other than that,
044it'll be okay. That's my only thing pending right now that I I just really don't know the date. >> Okay. For that, >> I will give Mr. has a call tomorrow have some in some dates that he can and then I'll I'll disseminate that information to you all and that way we >> have some options if that hurts. >> Yep. >> Um and then all of our Dexter special education teachers uh received IEP writing training um two weeks ago on Friday. So important in terms of us all collectively starting to merge what our IEPs look like from now on. Um, so we have a standard one and then the last piece, March 23rd, the NMSBA. >> Thank you, guys. >> Thank you. >> March 23rd, it's here, right? We're hosting it >> at the Dexter
045Elementary School. >> Okay, >> perfect. Okay. Um, item five, public for forum, three minute timeline to presenter. Um it looks like we do have Yes. Okay. Perfect. All right. Um public comment and observation regarding non-aggenda non-aggenda items that fall within the purview of the board are considered at this time. Comments regarding uh matters under litigation will not be allowed and no action will be taken on items presented but may be referred to staff or other. Okay. Um looks like we have Mrs. M >> Miraa. >> Mgera. There you go. Sorry. Yeah, that's okay. Malos Ford, thank you for allowing me to address you today. Did want to quickly also mentioned that I attended the Valentine's dance at the elementary with my kiddos if that was a lot of fun. So, thanks for hosting. Nice. Um,
046I'm here to talk about the importance of our elementary library and the need for a dedicated elementary librarian. While libraries are important at every level, I strongly believe that the greatest impact of a librarian is at the elementary level. Where foundational reading habits are formed right now, the accelerated reader program at the elementary level appears to be falling by the wayside. For many students, especially those who enjoy goals, structure, and challenges, AR is a powerful motivator. It encourages independent reading, builds comprehension, and gives kids a sense of accomplishment. When it's implemented consistently, it helps students developed confidence and a genuine love of reading. Unfortunately, what we're seeing instead is that many students are going to the library and quite often not even getting the opportunity to check out books. In some cases, library time is
047being spent on activities like coloring pages rather than reading books or book selection. While there is certainly a place for creativity, library time should primarily be about access to books. Guidance in choosing appropriate reading material and fostering literacy. An elementary librarian does more than manage books. They actively guide students, support classroom learning, track reading progress, and help ensure programs like AR are used effectively. This kind of support is especially critical in the early years when reading skills are developing and when positive experience with books can shape a child's academic future. Additionally, programs like OAR are a great way to involve families. They give parents a concrete way to engage with their children's learning, talking about books, tracking progress, and reading together at home. We should always be looking for opportunities to strengthen the partnership between
048schools and families. and reading is one of the most effective and accessible ways to do that. I respectfully ask the board to consider prioritizing an elementary librarian position and strengthening elementary library services. Investing in literacy at the youngest levels is an investment that pays off for years to come for students, families, and the entire school system. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Okay. Item six, business 6 A, approval of policy change on at G--2550, professional and support staff sick leave. Uh, so I recommended that we approve this policy change. Um, there's no change in the number of days. It's just a change from um we currently give all days at the very beginning of a contract. And with that, we've seen people who don't necessarily
049even make it through one year of that contract, and they utilize all of those days in one fail swoop. Um, and so with this, we would like to provide earned two earned personal days at the very beginning of the school year. And then, um, this is speaking about teachers because it does change based on 12-month employees. They would als they would get those in July, the first 10th that you actually work. Then you would start acrewing those days um one at a time and we would acrew teachers would acrew through April because that would get their nine days approved. So they would one a month essentially. Um they do roll over days. That was a question that that one of you did ask me. Um but really the only change to the actual policy looks
050at how they get those days and a lot of jobs do acrew. So um just kind of matching some of that as well. >> So is that across the board for everybody or >> that is across the board for everyone. So, the only change would be um anybody who's a 12-month employee and they began July, their first date. Um and if you'll look at the pol, let me pull the policy up just that way I have that in front of me. You'll notice that our 12-month employees, they receive 12 days. So, they'll start July, it'll go all the way through June. Um 10-month employees will begin July. It'll it'll run through >> April as well because that they'll go July and then our nine-month employees will go from August. >> So then as a as
051a 12-month employee, um I would be getting two personal days right away and then acrew the rest. So, so everybody 12-month employees will also get their two earned personal days that uh they receive in July just like everyone else. They already acrew um I want to call it vacation um annual leave every month anyways. Our annual leave is not given at the beginning of the time. So now we'll just also acrue one day of sick as well. They won't receive that upfront either. I move we approve um policy change G2550 professional support staff sickly. >> Okay, we have a motion by Mrs. Miles. Do we have a second? >> I second. >> We have second by Mrs. Batista. Uh motion and second passes. Um item 6B, approval of policy change I-71000, class rankings, uh grade
052point averages. So I also recommend approval for this policy. Um this policy has um a couple of errors in terms previously it said each year one senior will be honored with the title of validictorian and sen u and one senior will be honored with the title of saludiatoran upon completion of their academic course requirements for graduation. The following guidelines will be used and this is the piece that um was a little off. students having the highest combined weighted and non-weighted cumulative grade using actual percentage earned through his or her four years. So with that language, it was using GPA as well as averages of 98 97. So combining those um and in which you really can't combine a GPA with a percentage grade and so we have taken it and hopefully worded it in which
053we will use GPA in which it's easy to read understand anyone tomorrow who came in and would need to do that job would be able to follow this as the policy to use GPA as um how we calculate standings in in classrooms mostly it's our high school that that that looks at. So, was there any questions on the policy changes? >> Thank you for clarifying that. >> No, I think this makes it more clear and straightforward. Um, I do think it would be easier to later on down the road if we looked at doing it just because if you get a lot of kids that come through together that, you know, they're that group that and they're all very competitive and they're all taking those same courses and the same AP courses, don't know that
054you'll get enough uh separation by just using a GPA scale. So, it might work to go by just a um weighted percentage scale. But otherwise, I think this is a clear and simple way to improve this policy for now. Yeah, have it cleaned up for this upcoming year. >> Um, I would agree. I I looked at it pretty closely yesterday and I think I think it makes sense. So, um, okay. Is there a motion? Second. >> I move we approve policy change 1-710 0, the class rankings and grade point average. >> Okay. We have a motion on the floor by Mrs. Miles. Do we have a second? >> I second. >> We have a second by Mr. Bastista. Um, all in favor? >> I. >> Motion passes. Um, let me see. Seven, finance and facilities.
0557 A approval of January bills and payroll. >> I recommend that you approve the January bills and payroll. >> Any questions? >> I'll second. >> Okay. >> I can't make the motion now. >> I recommend it. >> Yes. >> I move that we approve the January bills and payroll. I'm so sorry. I thought you'd said that. Oh, no, I didn't. I'm sorry. >> Okay, so we have a motion and a second. Um, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion passes. Um, item B, approval of budget adjustments. Any questions or >> I move that we approve the budget adjustments. >> Okay, we have a motion by Miss Patisa. Do we have a second? >> A second. >> We have second by Miss Miles. All in favor say I. >> I. Motion passes. Um item
056C, approval of security cameras at high school. At the high school, I'm sorry. >> So you have the quote for the >> Oh, go ahead, Chris. I'm like, oh. >> So, currently the high the cameras we have at the high school around the high school and stuff, we still have a lot of holes in it. So, there's a lot of blind spots around the district. Um, plus our cameras are our software system, whatever it's called, is starting to be out of date. We're trying to bring in a little bit more into the current. Plus, it'll help us everything in the future as far as the new builds go. So, that's what we're trying to do there. >> So, what's the quality of the of of the camera? Is it >> pretty clear color, black and
057white? Uh, >> no, they'll there'll be color. I mean, I can't I can't get into too much of the specifics because Yeah. >> Yep. Yep. Yep. >> I'm not too versed on if they're going to be 2K or 4K or whatever. >> Okay. >> The powerful component is in scrubbing timeline when you're looking for a certain event. >> Okay. >> You can pick a person with a certain shirt or person and it automatically grabs all the instances of that person. >> Okay. And so, um, that's a a powerful component of how much time our people spend looking through footage trying to find some events. Look for a little girl with a red shirt. You put in there little girl with red shirt and it'll pop up, you know, 10 different screens of where it was,
058last seen, all that. >> It'll also do firearm detection and then, uh, we can pay for next one where it actually pick up license plates. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. >> Okay. And I saw you guys went with they're going with cap six rather than cap five on all the wiring. And is that brand new wiring across all of it or or just replacing what is well they they be replacing a bunch of it but they'd also be adding in what's needed because like I said there is some holes in and some space. >> Okay. >> So it'll be much better than the elementary school ones that never got replaced. Right. >> Yes. >> Okay. So question with this also the the budget for this I understand you guys >> this is coming
059out of HB what's the number on it >> safety and security >> we have about five 530 or so in there was award >> so in November we approved that um and it needs to be used on safety security um you can use some of it on CTE as well but the majority of it is safety security uh funds. So, >> okay. >> And then do we have to pay for like any monthly access to servers or Yes. No. >> Just ties into systems that we already have in place here. >> Yes. >> Just curious on this the what's what's the memory on it, you know, that you can go back on because I know three days I think is what I think you can actually go back farther. I I Yeah, it depends on
060our story. I'm not sure. >> Usually it's about 30 days. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Cool. >> Does this work with the all the cameras we got a few years back? >> So, it it will So, we're going to be using a lot of the existing cameras, but we're also bringing in some new cameras also. >> Will it also scan the footage from the bus cameras? >> No, ma'am. So, that's totally different. I'm not sure Jonathan, you know how that's >> totally good. >> So they're all separate individuals. So in terms of um any footage on a bus, you have physically have to take computer or plug into that specific computer. Those are not remote accessed. >> It's too bad. >> So um the cameras that were just bought, you said the software or something
061was going to be outdated. What is the span of software for the new ones that we're gonna get or are we gonna have to >> No. So this So from what they've told me and please correct me if I'm wrong. Um the software they're using now it's it's always being updated. So you know we've already bought it so we always get the updates. It's kind of like buying a computer almost and you just go through and you update it as as it comes time. But we won't have to purchase more software later on or anything else and we'll just be using that. Now, I'm not saying that in the future we're not going to have to replace cameras because y'all know just as well as I do how technology changes. So, >> but as of
062right now, we're looking what I think they said what 10 15 year camera before we possibly have to change you know cameras or upgrade cameras unless something broke. Do they have any kind of like warranty or anything like that for as far as >> for the cameras? Like if they need to be replaced because they're damaged or anything like that? Do you >> So that all goes back to as far as you know if it's a manufacturer issue. Yes, they would. They do. >> Um if it's because I get mad for a rocket a camera. No, I never replace it. Okay. Any more questions or >> does it does it give you everything you want? >> I think so. Yes, ma'am. Jonathan. >> Yeah. Should be good. I mean, a big part of it is
063just the holes, right? Every time something happens, it's always in the spot where you don't have a camera. >> That's just how it goes. And so, >> yeah, >> that's a big part of this. And so as we're trying to fill in the holes, we may as well take advantage of that opportunity and switch to a newer software that does a more of this recognition stuff for you to make the process of finding specific events easier. So that's part of why the change software >> and this this system. So with the new build um this will tie into >> so the um with the new build we are hoping to go with APEC which is the company that we also are already using for all the um key card replacements at the high school that
064you guys have already approved. U we'll go one system because currently we're using two different systems. So we'll streamline and utilize one system. >> They also do our fire alarms in the great >> Yes. and we've utilized them in terms of coming and fixing things and they are readily available so which makes a big difference. >> Okay. Um any other questions? >> Motion in second maybe. >> I move we approve the um security cameras at the high school. >> Okay. We have a motion on the floor by Miss Miles. Do we have a second? >> I'll second that. >> Yeah, we have a second by Miss Lopez. All in favor say I. >> I. Motion passes. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. Um item 7D, approval of speech language pathologist. >> So we
065currently utilize the rec um for all of our um ancillary staff. With that being said, we're kind of at their mercy sometimes in terms of they do us Hagermanerman Lake Arthur loving um and even some artisia. The issue that we're coming into is our little K12. A lot of them are still having to do online speech and we really need to move away from online if any way possible. Um, so we're asking to be able to um advertise for a speech language pathologist position in which the district would um pay directly. So this is not necessarily this is not a change in funds because we already spend this money on a speech language pathologist at the rec. We just would now house them here and we would be their employer versus the rec contract them
066or be their employer. Um so we have a little more room in terms of what that looks like. they can do all of our testing, but also our highest need population, we could ensure um that they're receiving services in person. Um and that's really important. Now, the other thing is is um we are supposed to be also servicing the daycare um currently because those kids fall under our purview as well. Right now, the RC doesn't have a way in which they contract in which we can do that service. And so this would also allow us to partner with them as well and provide that service that those students during the day um as well need you know so I do think this is needed for us to have some control back on um speech language
067pathologist currently we're at 2.8 FTE that we um hire from the rec so we would just take one of those back for some some control here to meet needs of students. Um, I did include the salary schedule. We currently do have a salary schedule for them. Our DIAG is the only other person on it, but every year we continue to just update that um ancillary staff, so it's always the same. So, it is already on there and I provided that for you. >> Okay. And and this rec it'd be we'd be paying out of the same fund, same >> it comes out of operational um but we also >> Yeah, it's all operational because we don't split any of that. >> Our state special ed funding flows through operational budget through the SG. >> Okay.
068So, um just maybe I I'm misunderstanding. So, we're putting the elementary EA and the social studies um for the middle school on hold due to budget, but we have the budget for the speech language pathologist. Um the speech language pathologist we're already paying, we're just paying the money to the RECC and so they have control over that person. So, instead of that, we would just pay them directly here. So there's no change in in funds because we already we actually have 2.8 FTE of speech language pathologists. Now we would still contract 1.8 with the rec and we would have one here inhouse. >> So how does that um that work with since if we're going to have them here now we got to do like the benefits and all of that. Um so currently with
069the pay scale that we have um we are paying them enough at the rec to meet that that need. So we we do pay extra as well as 10% >> we pay their benefits plus >> fee and I think it I think it's 10% rec fee for them to bill that as well. I would truly like to see us have all of our services. >> I I that would be nice. I don't I don't foresee us um some of the services that um OT or PT um we have less than 10 students on service. Um and we're talking about somebody who has a doctorate degree as well. Um those services I I can foresee us always having to contract. It would be nice if we were able to hire and kind of build up to
070that need. My other worry about going straight to we want to hire 2.8 FT and have all of our speech language pathologists in house um is what happens if we don't get those people hired. right now if we slowly bring them on we're not just telling the rec is we do have some um speech language pathologists that they want to just contract they can they're allowed to make their own time their own need so with that the rec is a better place for them um so I don't think we'll pull those but we're hopeful that we'll pull somebody um from Roswell or neighboring schools that that want to change possibly to 4 day a week as well as I'll be calling Eastern um they have a school for school um speech pathologists and so maybe
071we can get some applicants out of there. >> It would be nice to see something like that be able to service >> part of those. >> It's wonderful to have one >> in house >> and especially if it's not going to cost any anything extra, >> you know, if we're already covering that then that makes sense. >> Okay. Um there's a motion and a second. >> I move that we approve uh really is it just advertising for now or to pull a speech language pathologist in house? >> Yeah, >> we don't necessarily have one yet. >> Okay, second. >> We have a motion and a second by Miss Miles. >> Uh all in favor say I. >> I. Motion passes. Okay. So, now we have item eight, executive session. Um, a motion to move into
072executive session. U we will need a roll call for that. Mrs. Or we need a motion. >> Sorry, I'm working on this. I'm getting it. >> I don't know any of it. >> Yeah, we bring that chapter back in here to help us do it. >> I was thinking so. Um, okay. Do we have a motion to go into executive session? >> I think Go ahead. Go ahead. I move that we I move that we move into executive session. >> Okay. We have a motion by Miss Batista. Do we have a second? >> I'll second that. >> We have a second by Mrs. Lopez. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Uh we'll need a roll call for this. Um Mrs. Lopez >> I. >> Uh Miss Batista >> I. >> Okay. Myself I
073and Miss Miles >> I. >> Okay. Motion passes. We will I guess head into executive session um where we will be discussing um cons uh consideration of 10- 10-15-1 H2 limited personnel matters a discussion and review of superintendent evaluation and contract. >> Okay, >> thank you all. >> Thank you guys very much. Appreciate it.