TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES

November 14, 2013

The Board of Education of the Truth or Consequences Municipal School District met November 14, 2013 at 180 N. Date St., T or C., NM 87901 Board Room.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Denise Barrera, Vice-President

Angela Rael, Member

Brett Smith, Member

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Jay Johnson, President

Rita Ortiz, Secretary

ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT:

Dr. Craig Cummins, Superintendent

Hank Hopkins, Director of Human Resources

Dr. Renee Garcia, Principal/TCMS

Patti Nesbitt, Principal/HSHS

Troy Hudson, Assistant Principal/HSHS

STAFF PRESENT:

Celina Martinez, Administrative Assistant

Carmen Spann, Business Manager

Jaylene McGregor, Counselor HSHS

Dr. Barbara Pearlman

Cheryl Baca

Nate Wolf

Bonnie Nielsen

Martina Myers

Shara Montoya

Carmen Trujillo

VISITORS PRESENT:

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Chuck Wentworth

Tony Archuleta

Christian Hopkins

Mackenzie Greene

Jonna Smith

Savannah Gillis

I. INTRODUCTION:

A. CALL TO ORDER at 6:35 p.m.

B. ROLL CALL

Jay Johnson, absent

Denise Barrera, present

Rita Ortiz, absent

Angela Rael, present

Brett Smith, present

C. MOMENT OF SILENCE

Brett Smith led a moment of silence.

D. SALUTE TO FLAGS

Denise Barrera led the salute to the U.S. Flag and the salute to the New Mexico State Flag.

E. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve the November 14, 2013 Regular Board Meeting Agenda. Motion to accept recommendation made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 10, 2013 Regular Board Meeting Minutes

Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve the October 10, 2013 Regular Board Meeting Minutes. Motion to accept recommendation made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

II. REPORTS

A. NEA Report – Dr. Barbara Pearlman – It was the first time NEA was able to contact all NEA members directly via school email. We are very grateful how this school board has supported us. Dr. Pearlman read a statement that was read at the NEA-T or C meeting on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 which questioned the current amount of testing, teacher evaluations and curriculum geared toward standardized tests. Las Cruces demonstrated support of the movement of the T or C school district. Ms. Pearlman stated she is very proud to come from this district and thanked the Board for their support. Discussion: Denise: Taking a small district like ours is hard to do something on our own but if we get someone like Las Cruces maybe we can unite and get something done.

B. FFA report on National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY-

Christian Hopkins, Mackenzie Greene, and Savannah Gillis gave presentation about attending various teen-building workshops, looking outside the box. Attendance at the convention was just under 63,000 members and sponsors. They reported having amazing time and thanked the board for allowing them to attend and bring back these skills to share with our chapter. A video was shown of the good times had in Louisville, KY.

B. High School personnel reported regarding the revised Use of Electronic Devices Policy - Patti Nesbitt: Shara Montoya had feedback from students and faculty which was mostly positive. Bandwidth is a problem. Discussion: Denise concerned about all students having their own devices, wanting to make sure no one is without. Dr. Cummins: Pilot program there are 10 tablets at the high school. By January they should have 5 classroom sets of devices. Teachers need to make a recommendation of what kind of device they prefer. Bandwidth has increased and should be at 100Mbps soon. Dr. Pearlman: We are working on this now. It is a hard decision to make as devices are changing on a daily basis.

C. Financial Report – Carmen Spann – Question was asked if all schools have their own budget. Each school has their own budget and Principals may view it on-line. They are not provided with a hard copy.

D. Student Data - Dr. Robert Vise: Dr. Vise not present. A monthly update was provided in Board packet.

E. Construction Update - Kenny Griffis: Kenny Griffis not present.

Hank Hopkins reported that foundations are being poured and walls should start going up soon. The great news is the district will be able to keep the present kindergarten classroom wing for our early childhood classes.

III. PUBLIC INPUT: None

IV. FINANCIAL

A. PAYMENT OF THE BILLS:

Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve payment of bills as presented. Motion to accept recommendation made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

B. BUDGET ADJUSTMENT REQUESTS:

Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve budget adjustments as presented. Motion to accept recommendation made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

C. CASH TRANSFERS:

Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve cash transfers as presented. Motion to accept recommendation made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

V. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approve Resolution of Concern regarding the autonomy of local school boards and regulations surrounding student testing, graduation requirements, and teacher evaluations. Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve Resolution of Concern. Motion to accept recommendation was made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Dr. Craig Cummins read resolution. Discussion: Denise: Does that sound okay to everyone? Audience applauds. Angela: Thanks for all you do.
B. Approve Resolution regarding high school graduation and standards-based portfolios. Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve Resolution regarding high school graduation and standards-based portfolios. Motion to accept recommendation was made by Angela Rael and seconded by Brett Smith. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Dr. Craig Cummins read resolution. Discussion: Denise: Asked if students are under the same requirements as when they entered high school. Her concern was students need to have same requirements for their entire high school career.

C. Approve agreement for administrator professional development with New Mexico School Leadership Institute in the amount of $20,000.00 for the 2013-14 school year. Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve agreement for administrator professional development. Motion to accept recommendation made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

D. Approve MOU with La Pinon Crisis Center for needed counseling/support services for eligible students. Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve the MOU services. Motion to accept recommendation made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

E. Approve disposal of technology/ surplus equipment. Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve disposal list of technology/surplus equipment. Motion to accept recommendation made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

F. Approve JROTC out-of-state travel request to Colorado Springs, CO for regional air rifle competition on December 5-8,2013.Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve out-of-state travel for regional air rifle competition on December 5-8,2013. Motion to accept recommendation made by Angela Rael and seconded by Brett Smith. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

G. Approve Donations $2,500.00 to HSHS FFA for trip to National FFA Convention from Moose Lodge #2050 $250.00 to HSHS Behavioral Health Team from Women of the Moose #1646; Water and snacks to HSHS Social Services from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church Thrift Shop value of $86.32; Various supplies to TCES from Dollar General value of $100.00; $250.00 to TCMS football for equipment from Moose Lodge #2050; Sound system to TCMS from Teen Truth-Michael Sarich value of $200.00;Anonymous donor to the Audrey Lang Memorial Scholarship $123.44; HP printer to tech. dept. from forest dept. value of $270.00. Craig Cummins recommended the Board approve donations. Motion to accept recommendation made by Brett Smith and seconded by Angela Rael. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

VI. ADJOURNMENT:

Brett Smith motioned to adjourn at7:38 pm. Motion seconded by Angela Rael. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

__________________________________

Secretary

_______________________________

President

Date: December 12,, 2013

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