Kathryn Marmon, Reporter
GRANTS, NM – The meeting began with well wishes and condolences to other school districts recognizing that some may be going through hard times and tragedies. Ms. Lee also wished a warm and happy holiday season to everyone.
Mr. Widener presented plaques to office staff members in recognition of their work ethic and contribution to the school system. Ms. Carolyn Corley received a SEL plaque for generosity in always offering her time to help staff members. Ms. Beth Armastad also received a SEL plaque. Ms. Armastad works in counseling at two schools. Ms. Lisa Salzer, a member of the Leadership Team at central office was named the EDU Champion of the month.
Mr. Griner, band instructor at Grants High School, spoke about the upcoming Jazz Band trip to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado where the band won awards last year.
This year the festival is March 5th and 6th. The band will combine the Regional Concert Band Festival in Farmington on March 5th with a trip to Durango to attend a concert and Jazz Festival with guest artist Terence Blanchard.
A few student band members were asked to speak. One guitarist mentioned that he is looking forward to hearing other bands because last year the experience had a positive effect on his band’s performance. He also learned from the workshop given by Christian McBride, an American jazz bassist, composer and arranger.
Griner stated, “We've been adding to the Jazz year with a listening project, where they pick a piece of jazz music every week to listen to and then they submit it. And on Wednesdays, we listen to their selections, and we get to talk about it. And that's a result of going to that Festival last year. It's had a good effect on the band, they know what good sounds like now, and the only way to know that is to listen.”
Following the encouraging conversation expressing appreciation for the band’s inspiring work and productions, the board moved and passed the motion to send the GHS band to Colorado for the Jazz Festival.
Next on the agenda, Mr. Lane Widener introduced Presentations Item A: Laguna Acoma Staging and Sound System – presented by Ron Triplehorn .
LAHS hopes to have their new staging system before May graduation. The high school also would like to update their sound system in their gym.
Having done research, Mr. Triplehorn handed out an information page showing that the staging system LAHS would like to install is the same staging system that Grants High School has, and that it is a sturdy modular system.
Mr. Jackie Sanchez, principal for LAHS, had custodians tape the measurements for the new stage on the floor. A measurement of about 20 ft by 32ft is thought to be the right size. The estimated cost is $20,500.
Mr. Triplehorn also addressed need to update the Special Education Heating and Air system in the building on Second street. Presently the employees are using portable units to help alleviate the coldness. Estimated cost for the updated system is $248,000.
Triplehorn reported on the Student Support Center Remodeling to bring it up to code. This is the former Continental Divide office building near First Street. The main issues for this building refer to compliance with ADA code, such as: door widths are not up to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) code; the restrooms need to be adjusted accordingly; flooring and drywall issues, and a few other necessary improvements. Triplehorn did not present his estimate, holding back to meet with the contractor to negotiate the price down.
There is a budget for the remodeling of this building, and Triplehorn will try to adjust the necessary updates to fit the budget. Estimated updates are currently 50% higher than the budget. The estimated work time is to begin in March 2025 and be finished by, approximately November.
The bleachers donation from Zuni Public Schools was covered next by Triplehorn .
Zuni Public Schools is replacing its bleacher set and offered GCCS its old visitors' bleacher set. The bleachers are aluminum and have ramps. They are approximately 15 years old.
The bleachers will be transported to GHS during the Christmas break. If the high school had to purchase new bleachers, the cost would be around $300,000. The relocation cost will be much less for the very nice bleachers.
The inspection of RFP Board Legal Services was addressed by Cooper Jone. He reported positively, that the RFP Board Services are in close coordination with others, but he compiled and read a list for the board to discuss.
Toward the end of the night’s business, Mr. Widener mentioned many holiday celebrations in towns nearby. Most will have taken place by the time this is printed.
Finally, there was a passing vote to replace the heating and cooling at the special education building in the amount of $248,300 which will be adjusted down.
Schools were released at 1 pm and 1:15 p.m. last Friday the 20th and students and teachers will be on break from December 23rd to January 2nd, 2025. The 240-day employees will come back earlier and then all employees will be back on January 6th, the teacher work day. Students will come back on January 7th, 2025. There will be a Schoolboard meeting that night.
“Thank you, it's going to be a good year,” said President Lee in closing.