001Okay, I'll call the meeting to order. We do have a quorum. Um, and I want to take just a minute and welcome Mr. View. We're glad to have you on the board and look forward to working with you. So, welcome to the board. And do are there any adjustments to tonight's agenda? Okay. And the superintendent will be doing a lot of hand signals and head shaking. Her voice did not arrive at school today. So, thank you to her team for supporting through that. >> All right. Do I hear a motion to adopt the agenda with flexibility? >> So move. >> I'll second. >> Okay. All right. And we will uh begin with introduction of Yes. All right. Thank you. This time I'm going to turn it over to the superintendent and the assistant superintendent and
002team for introduction uh some special recognitions. And we all know how very difficult it is for Miss Q not to be able to talk tonight, don't we? [laughter] Are you ready? >> All right. Um January is school board recognition month. Schoolboard members have the most important volunteer jobs in the country and often face some of the toughest challenges in elected American government. Yet, our school board members aren't just ordinary citizens. They have an extraordinary dedication to our nation's public schools. So, we want to thank you on behalf of our district, Mrs. Thank you our cabinet, our administrators for your time and dedication to our staff and the students of Wildcat Nation. Dimry Maker, [applause] Pattyanne Enel, [applause] Mr. Dale Dunlap, [applause] Bradley Bishop, and welcome Chase. [applause] Thank you all. >> Thank you. It really
003is an important job. >> Okay. >> You want me to bring her up? >> Yes. >> Shan Lee, Miss Cavier, can you join me, please? Join us. >> I'm speaking for Mrs. Q. You get that? Okay. [laughter] Good to see you. We are thrilled to recognize Shaun Lee Caviier for earning her national board certification in middle childhood generalist. A remarkable achievement and it makes her our first nationally certified uh board national board certified teacher in the district. This is a big deal. So, YAY. [applause] I want to tell you a little bit. Uh, National Board Certification is a rigorous voluntary process that recognizes educators who meet the highest standards of teaching excellence through extensive reflection, assessment, and demonstrated impact on student learning. This honor reflects Mrs. Cavalier's unwavering dedication to her craft, and to her
004students success. She leads with hope, heart, and a true champion spirit. She inspires those around her through her passion, perseverance, and belief in every student's potential. As the epitome of the portrait of a Wildcat, she exemplifies excellence, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to empowering learners. Her achievement is a moment of pride for our entire district, and a reflection of the lasting and meaningful impact she has on students, colleagues, and our Wildcat family. Congratulations, Mrs. Caviierro on this extraordinary accomplishment. Your influence, professionalism, tireless commitment continues to strengthen our district and inspire those who serve. We are so grateful for the lasting difference you make every day and proudly celebrate this welldeserved, only one of its kind in Lington achievement. Yay for you. [applause] Mila, Justin, anything you want to add? >> I'm just very proud of
005what the work have seen her going through this journey. So very proud to have her in our building forever. >> She is very special. Mrs. She has um a certificate for you for displaying all the five traits of the district's portat and earning your national board certification. I'll give you the speech that she wrote and then she has your special swag here for you. >> [laughter] >> We're so proud. Very proud. >> Thank you for the support. >> Thank you. >> Well deserved. >> She's teacher. >> Mr. Peyton Haggler. >> You haven't been up here enough, so we need to recognize you one more time. >> Mr. Haggler traveled to Nashville in December to received to receive the Association for Career and Technical Education ACT award. Uh the ACT and it's in your if you
006see my report there's a picture of them at the um event, but ACT is the largest notfor-profit organization dedicated to advancing education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. Mr. Mr. Haggler was selected as the 2026 ACT National New Teacher of the Year. When in Nashville, he was able to also present to the participants attending the conference. Mr. Haggler serves as our OPE loyal field pre-employment program um instructor at Lovington High School. This award recognizes new career and technical education teachers who have made significant contributions through innovative and unique CTE programs and who have demonstrated a strong professional commitment early in their careers. This is a significant national honor and reflects the quality of instruction and leadership Mr. Haggler brings to his students and to the district. Congratulations to Mr. Haggler on a welldeserved
007[applause] Thank you very much. I appreciate >> I don't have a whole lot to say on top of that other than just extremely excited to have Mr. Hagard on campus with us. He does such a great job with our teachers. He's really built this program up from nothing. And it's a his leadership not only in his OPEC but also within the Skills USA program and how he's grown that that is now a chapter of excellence as well. So we just grateful to have Mr. Hacker with us with us. Want to say Mr. Hacker's uh his passion for teaching students second to none and it's just very evident every time I walk in this classroom or see him or even out the class students and it's just amazing. I'm just proud and happy to be part
008of being able to work with. Good job. >> Thank you sir. >> Glory. Good job, [applause] >> Mrs. Tagger. [laughter] It's >> like next >> House of Champions. >> Yes. >> Lovington High School. Montana Haggler has become a trusted leader in career technical education in the agricultural pathway. She's a beloved teacher to her students and is the lead instructor for plant system uh management and the adviser to the Levington chapter for future farmers of America. Mrs. Haggler creates hands-on student- centered learning environments where teenagers can grow as scholars but also as leaders, critical thinkers, and contributors contributors to their rural New Mexico community. Mrs. Mrs. Haggler's instructional practices blend innovation with realworld relevance. She incorporates inquiry based learning, project-based units, and a flipped classroom model that leverages technology to maximize active learning time. Students enter
009her labs or through FF or her classes prepared to apply knowledge immediately, whether in the greenhouse labs or through FFA experiential learning projects. Her students have demonstrated strong gains in both academic understanding and practical agricultural skills, and many graduates have pursued degrees or careers in agricultural and related fields. Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Haggler is a leader in our district-wide CTE programming at LHS. She serves as a CTE department chair, collaborates with school and district leaders on grant writing for the department, thank goodness, and has played an instrumental role in designing and implementing Lovington's school work-based learning in internships for eligible juniors and seniors. She helped develop the district's portrait of a Wildcat, encompassing a strategic plan and the skills and aspirations that guide students from freshman year through graduation. Mrs. Haggler also inspires and engages
010with families through a parent advisory board and meets regularly to discuss program goals and student progress. We are so excited to congratulate Mrs. Haggler on being only one of 30 teachers across the United States to receive the Milin Educator Award, the Oscars of Teaching. You may have seen that last week. Woo! We're proud of you. This is a [applause] big deal. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> So, Miss Nagra is extremely humble and when you tell her sometimes that she's doing a great job, she doesn't really soak it in or understand that she's she's really hard on herself. And so I was excited that she was picked for this award because without her guidance even through the CLNA and writing the grant to setting up the prerequisites for the CTE program and all of those administrative things,
011the way that her kids attracted her and that she loves them is just a testimony to who she is as a person in Montana. I've told you in private, I've said it out loud, but I'll tell you in front of everyone, you do a phenomenal job and I'm so happy that you were nominated and not nominated. a picture [laughter] for this award because you're so well learned. >> Thank you. >> I'll piggy back off of that. Um, you know, it's hard to put into words. I mean, just just great job. Well done overall. Um, I So, I was out traveling unable to be that, you know, make that great. Um, and you was taking place, however, but um, uh, so I was in Tucson at the time. leadership conference and um there were 48 48
012people attended uh there was 19 states representing not sure I was the only representation there training conference if you will and when they asked where's New Mexico you know it's reference just like Texas right and I said Well, so a lot of those leaders have been at formerly been at Nashville conference and I said, "Well, I said, "Were you at the ACT Visions conference couple weeks ago?" Yeah. I said, "Well, the Mr. teacher of the year was, you know, they remember that." They said, "Oh, yeah." I said, "Well, that that's our Lington teachers." And at that same time as as well. So we have to I asked myself and I shared this with him. I said are great things happening atington schools. Yes. as we possibly test. [applause] >> And just a little little kudos
013to the whole production. I know that Mr. Williams, that was a a lot to pull together and it was and and you and your team and and we told the superintendent it was amazing to get to be a part of that. But one of the things that I thought about when I got home was until they announced it, honestly, I was thinking we have a lot of teachers that this could apply to. That's pretty cool. That's pretty cool. So, um we're we're so fortunate. I I I told Bradley I I get nervous when you guys get lots of awards because I don't want people to try to come find you and [laughter] but we do deeply appreciate what you all bring to our district and what you do for our kids. Thank you very very
014much. Anything else from board members? >> I think it's pretty this just tells what kind of person Montana is. She's taking pictures up there holding this check. She says she leans over and says, "I have students in my class right now." [laughter] That's what she was worried about. You know what I mean? It wasn't wasn't soaking in the mold. You know what I mean? [laughter] >> Pretty cool. Good job. >> Thank you again. Thank you again. Um did you have any others? Okay. Okay. Um of course you guys are welcome to stay, but you're also welcome to get a cookie and leave if you want as we move forward into the other stuff. But thank you again for what you do for our kids every single day. Every single day. So, thank you. All right.
015We're going to move right on in to the information director's reports. I'll open it up to the board for questions. >> I have one on this. I couldn't find it anywhere in this information, but I know last year we talked about um bus drivers and with spring sports coming up, I know we're busy and overnight bus drivers and that type of stuff. Are we planning accordingly or how's that looking? back. >> I was just saying how how is that looking? Are we how are we setting with drivers? Are we [laughter] >> right now? We're sitting really good. >> Okay. You know, I contacted the one of the baseball coaches and we're having problems because Thank you so much. We're having problems because uh on one of the dates there's a lot of uh things that
016are taking place. Well, here we we have English expo taking place, two buses for um uh science Olympia and then we have cheer competition on Saturday. And so we contacted him about a baseball tournament, a JB baseball tournament, and we're trying to get together and come up with a plan to take care of it. But that right now, that's the only one. And we still need one schedule from the um I think it's a golf team, right? >> You have 23rd. >> That's that's the only schedule we're waiting on right now. >> Yeah. So currently it's it's good. >> Yeah. Well, currently it's okay [laughter] >> and and really um I'm assuming all of our coaches are made aware that the priority order unfortunately when we run into issues as far as JV versus varsity,
017etc. Right. Yes, ma'am. Yeah. >> Uh the baseball coach is aware of it when I did visit with him and I said, you know, these are state competitions. He goes, I understand. >> Yeah. And it's only one day that Friday because it's uh uh tournaments Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. >> So, they're leaving Friday and Saturday if and Kurt's done a great job getting with the coaches and doing the schedules and we have uh a lot of things that are taking place on Saturdays. I don't know, Mr. Williams might not like that because he tries to be at everything and those Saturdays are really hard on administration, but I know that uh so far this whole year he's done a great job of having games spread out. >> Thank you. >> Well, while you're up there,
018uh Mr. L Cruz. I I mean and and really I think it's probably uh financial as well, but when I look at the fund balance, it's the first time that I've noticed a balance in our food service that was a little concerning. But is that are we waiting on some reimbursements or I mean because we have not seen an out of balance as far as revenue and expenditures to your knowledge, right? I mean I know that's kind of both of you guys. So go ahead Carrie. Yeah, feel free to join that as well. >> That is true. USDA reimburse it uh for the prior month and uh Wanda does a fabulous job at turning them in. I think is copy, but we're at their mercy as to when they reimburse a show. And that's the
019same thing with federal and state local. You're going to see the 2400s and the 2700s. You're going to see the same thing. You might see a negative, but it's because we have to spend it, >> right, >> and get Ramar. So, yes. >> And that's really hard. I think what just got me is that's kind of the first time I've seen that. And I know that there's been a lot of changes at the national level and some adjustments, but I just kind of wanted to make sure that you guys feel that we're still doing great because >> he does a great job of turning in the report and he gives them to me every month and and the plate count and all the right and that's why I included the counts for you to look
020at because you can see the numbers are still there. >> Yeah. And it's not every single student, but the majority of them. And uh I know yesterday we got an email from USDA. They're asking us to transfer some money over. And I think u one of the things that's happening is exactly what you said. We're still waiting on the feds to catch up what they're >> okay. Going to do. >> Okay. But it is coming. We're not worried about it not Okay. Yeah. Because it's it's a great program for our kids. So I just wanted to make sure on that. Okay. Thank you. That was all I had. Appreciate it. Any other questions from the board? >> Not for me. >> Okay, we'll move into the superintendent update. Uh any information uh that you want
021to share with the board in addition to what you've included? >> Okay. Any questions for the superintendent? >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. All right. Let's move right on into routine matters. will take items one through four as part of the consent agenda. Do I hear a motion to approve those as presented? >> Second. >> Okay. >> Vanessa, you kick his in. You can just for you. All right. Thank you. All right. We're going to move. There's no budget adjustments this month. >> Mr. Fus, don't get used to this. Okay. They're tricking you. I'm just telling you. [laughter] >> I like it. >> Okay. And so then there's no bids. We will move down to the donations. And I'll ask the superintendent or assistant superintendent if they uh want to make any comments on that. We
022have a donation for uh for Taylor Middle School for the basketball teams. >> The county commissioners donated to elementary. >> Okay. >> And then um Newborn Oil has donated to our workforce kiddos or students who are working. So, we appreciate all of the donations of course. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Thank you. Any questions from the board? >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. Do I hear a motion to approve the donations as presented? >> So, move. >> Good. >> I'll make the motion. Okay. Second. All right. Thank you. All right. We'll move into new business. Um, as has been customary, uh, every two years we reorganize both our officers and our committees. So, at this time, I will open it up to, uh, nominations for, uh, board president. Mrs. Maker. >> Do [snorts] I hear any other
023nominations? >> No, but I second. [laughter] >> Okay. Well, thank you. I I I appreciate that. I think um [laughter] I I feel like everybody gets tired of hearing my voice. So, um All right. Uh so, there's been a motion in a second. And you know what, Vanessa? Let's just do this in one fell swoop for nominations. Um, do I hear a motion for vice president? >> I nominate Miss Anel. >> Okay. >> I second it. >> Okay. And um, as far as secretary, >> say Mr. Dale Dunlap. >> Mr. Dale Dunlap. He can't he can't object. I'll second that. Yeah. All right. Okay. So, uh basically what we're doing is the motion is to uh maintain the officers as they currently sit. So, as far as board committees, um we have the finance committee
024currently made up of Mr. Bishop, Miss Ansel, would you guys be willing to serve in that position again? Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. And the audit committee, I'm going to ask Mr. Vik, will you be willing to serve on that with Mr. Dunlap? Okay. Great. All right. So, the motion would be to uh do what I just said so I don't have to repeat it all. >> Motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Okay, I'll second. Okay. >> Did you get all that, Vanessa? Okay. Thank you. >> Play a trick on Dale. Tell him. >> I know. I am going to tell him that. I am so gonna tell him that. You were thinking same as me. So, okay. Next item, status update of the 2425 Lovington Municipal School financial audit. Thank you, Carrie. >> So,
025as you may have been aware, the audit, which is usually due November 15th, was extended till January 20th, uh due to the federal uh they're they were revamping the uh single audit. It turns out we only needed one report and not a separate single audit. So, we were able to in December exit and has already been submitted to the state auditor. I cannot release it yet. You have to have an okay to print and then an okay to release 5 days later. We are waiting on that. But everything was submitted ahead of schedule. Uh I can tell you there were no findings. I can tell you that. Um but as soon as the state auditor gives us the okay to release, then we can we can send that on. >> Great. So hopefully at the
026February meeting. So >> hopefully so. Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you, Carrie. Okay, final thing under new business is first reading to review and revise policy J sections 0050 to 1983 plus exhibits. I'll open it up to the board for any comments or questions. >> Okay, >> surprise. I I found it interesting on the very first page. Part of our job is to provide environmental reality in Students can learn personal and civic responsibility for their actions through meaningful experiences as citizens. And yet we cannot use any punitive measures for students with in real life they lose their job. But anyway, that was just a comment. And some of these on the um J0550 school age person means a person who at least 5 years of age prior to 12:01 a.m. on September 1st of the then
027current school year. I know way back in the day we didn't even start school until after Labor Day. So I'm assuming that's where that September 1 came in. Is that date still relevant? Do we have data that supports us not starting until September 1st? So [clears throat] that date is based on state law. So that is the entrance age in the INMAC and that 12:01 a.m. is very important. So when we do kindergarten roundup, we try to designate the time of birth as well as date and place because if a student is born at straight up midnight on September 1st, they're eligible. But 1201, they're not. So it's that language is very specific to who is eligible to enter school >> Even though we start in July >> and if I may just I mean
028from a developmental standpoint a child that turns five in July or four or wherever. I mean, there's such a there's such a difference on where they are developmentally and so I know that's that that has been asked. I think it is because everybody's going wait everybody starts school so much earlier you know and those very young ones and I think a lot I think if Miss Cartwright was here she would tell you if she had her way they would have to be age eligible what February March to be able to you know to be able to meet that. So I I don't know that that is one thing that comes into the conversation a lot of times. >> Yeah. No, that answers my question. I dealt with high school kids forever and ever and ever.
029So that's that answers my question. That's good to know. >> But it it may still come up. I mean as we see this unfortunate pattern. >> Yeah, it is that national. So >> okay, cool. Um and then this may be some clarification on J750. Um uh a student who is a resident of the district and who meets the applicable uh requirements established by state law shall be admitted without payment of tuition to the school in the attendance area in which the student resides may be admitted as a resident transfer to another school in another district in accordance with their open enrollment policy. And then third bullet down, a student who is 17 years of age or older and whose place of residence is in the district. Why would why would do we admit many 18
030year olds? Well, to me it it would make more sense if it said 17 or under if we're going to admit them enrollment into our district. Is that the way it's supposed to be written? Or maybe I'm just misunderstanding. >> Yeah. A student who is 17 years of age or older and whose place of resident is in the district. I I didn't know if we admitted too many 18 year olds or 17 year olds for the first time. So all of the bullets are referring to um allowing someone to enroll. So their parent or legal guardian has to reside here if they're under the age of 17. But we do have um individuals and they typically fall under Mckin Vento homeless that are 17, not adults yet that we have to allow to be um
031enrolled in our district because they are unaccompanied youth. Okay. So, >> so that's where that um >> and it it references is down here at the bottom that McKenna Vento homeless. So, that would make sense. Okay. >> So, that's where that um situation uh sometimes some of our >> undocumented accompanied youth that are here without a true place of residence that's related to their family. So, that that's what that's referring to. >> Okay. Okay. So, they don't have to have parent >> rights >> involvement to enroll in the district. >> That's correct. Yes, ma'am. Okay, that makes sense. Thank you. Thank you. Um, and then we have the same issue about where it's written in here on J950. Um, credits shall be transferable with no loss, blah blah blah. Honors courses requiring weighted GPA will
032be indicated as honors courses in the alignment with the district policy regarding honors credits and Lington High School course offerings. Likewise, only honors courses which are offered at Lovington High School in alignment with the courses offered during corresponding school. You'll be given the indication of waiting for ranking purposes. We talked about that and about our kids that take concurrent enrollment in college classes and whether or not we should wait those grades if they're taking a college class. Is that equivalent to an honors class on our campus? I I had that written down as well and I correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the word the key word was offered. It's not that it's taught at Lovington High School, but Lovington High School offers that course that they take. Am I am I dreaming
033that or >> because I even went and looked at the handbook that the students get and it says this same thing and I remember us having that long conversation but >> I think isn't this paragraph uh referencing students who are coming a transfer student credit shall be transferable with no loss of value between schools if I come from Texas and I took uh honor 's industrial design, but we don't offer that. We can't transfer that credit because it's not an it's not a credit at our school. >> It's not offered. >> Oh, so this is only for transfer >> be transferable with no loss between the schools. >> If they're accredited by a public education department and we offer something similar, we can't transfer credit if we don't have that. And and I think that's
034the key word is offered because I it was like it doesn't necessarily mean that it's in the building in the building but it's offered as part of their >> it may not have made but we offered it. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. I because I had the same thing written down >> and I thought, okay, >> other questions? >> I do on J 1000. >> I'm just, this is just clarification. Uh, after liaison for homeless students, the chief executive officer, should that be the superintendent or because everywhere else in the documented reference is superintendent, right? >> And then I guess these are just questions like J 512 talks about attendance teams and then J 1031 talks about a liaison for the homeless assume we have that >> okay that's it's you want Stephanie to talk
035about >> sure >> that's me >> so yes uh we do have a homeless liaison every district has to have one and that's me >> okay >> currently >> I just I've never >> Okay. >> Uh you must stay there cuz on J1561 notifications of absence. Um in that one it says I think the first three hours of the day that the parents will be notified. >> So we we have our parent square set up to notify if they were gone within the first first period. Michael, correct me if I'm wrong. First period and then end of day. So you're getting notification through parent square that way. >> I don't I get in today >> and it can depend on how you have your settings on your notifications as a parent. So but you can
036log in as a parent. I can open and you can open your parent view and see immediately or your parent Yeah, your parent view immediately to see when your kids are at school when they arrive. Like those things are in there. Um, and you can set up those notifications in your attendance and parent view. And then that parent square message that you get is end of day. I just think we need to maybe clarify this because it says if they have a telephone and provide a contact number, the school might make reasonable effort to give notification of absence within three hours of the beginning of the school day. So it's almost talking like it'll give a phone call. So we could say via this via the student information system application. Maybe that's what that needs
037to be clarified. >> And there's not a tie to NEAC. So that's good. >> Yeah, that's all I had. >> Yeah. Um, since you're talking about 1561, I think one of the things and and I I see this in even in our beginning ones, there's a reference to 5% 10% 20%. And so the clarification of 5% of what and and I don't think it's so much that the board needs to know that, but I just for, you know, when we are trying to hold parents accountable for getting their child at school, what is that 5%, 10%, 20%? And so I'm wondering if there doesn't need to be some way that we're defining that to whatever means that I wouldn't have a clue where to go with that but >> and that that is um out
038of attendance for success act those percentages and it's of the time instruct the instructional time. So, >> right. But is it on a weekly basis? Not. Now, one of the things I do like >> I kind of like that it's not a mandate coming down that the district can say, "Okay, are we going to look at this weekly, nine weeks, monthly, you know, however, and it it may be even like at a elementary and secondary. I'm I'm not really sure, but I just I want to be sure that families are aware of where this comes in." And I'm I'm thinking it may be almost addressed at a more local level and and and that's okay. Um, but then I I think when I look at 1561, I would like to see um what is exactly
039considered an absence and something in writing of at what point and that would be something that you know the the administrative team but at what point does something you know does it become an absence and it's clear for families to know that I think would be helpful. to have it there. >> So in the eyes of the state, there is not an excused absence other than a school absence, school related absence. Um, religious cultural doctor's note, verified by a parent, all of those things. It it doesn't matter if you bring an excuse. An absence is an absence in the attendance for success act. So, um, and I I will double check that with Mrs. Q, but I believe that it does say any absence is an absent. Um, >> right. >> There is no >>
040there I think what I'm speaking of is the the second or third grader that arrives at school at 9:05. >> Yes. >> Are they absent? You know, and I think really clarifying where that falls in our secondary where it's like, okay, they miss second and third and fifth period period or something like that. That's a different conversation. But anyway, I I just I wonder if we need some clarification. so we can look at it and define it a little bit more. >> Okay. I think it'd be a great spot to put it in for student absences, just so everybody's clear on that. But thank you for that. >> They show up at >> No, I'm saying there's there's parents that the child doesn't arrive until 9:00 in the morning to school. Are they considered absent?
041>> Yeah. >> And we we do have some internal guidelines on that. So we'll >> and that may be the way. And so I think just communicating that with families and stuff like that. >> Okay, we can >> thank you. Any other comments >> that whole 1561? There's several things about shall call the school or you know mean so it may just need to be updated to >> more modern >> modern text and >> right >> that's all. >> Okay. Um, again, it's the first reading, so if you uh see some other things that you have questions about, don't hesitate to uh reach out to the superintendent on that. So, okay, we're going to move in to public comment time. Is there anybody at this time here for public comment? Okay, seeing nobody, just a
042reminder of the upcoming legislative conference in Santa Fe. Please let Vanessa know a if you're going to go and b what day you anticipate to arrive so she can make sure that your accommodations are set up for that. So, and she will need to know that probably in the next week or so. >> Okay. All right. Anything else? >> Okay. Again, Mr. music. Don't get used to this, but this is great. [laughter] And I think that the the audience is glad, too. So, all right. Do I hear a motion to adjurnn? So, move. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Have a good night.