GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants Cibola County School regular board meeting was held on September 16th, and lasted nearly four hours, with about half of that time being in executive session. The meeting covered topics such as policies and recognitions.
Policy Discussions
Various policies were discussed, such as Policy Services Advisory (1st read). This policy explained that retirees who intend to return to work in any capacity must apply to the ERB and receive approval before working. Violations of this may lead to the suspension of benefits, repayment, or reapplication for retirement. Independent contractors must also obtain approval from the ERB.
The Policy Services Advisory (2nd Read) explained that students in grades 8-11 must complete annual interim next-step plans. The plans will have to align with the district’s graduate profile and use PED-approved templates, be signed by the student, parent/guardian and a counselor.
NMSBA Policy Advisory requirements apply to students entering 9th grade in the 2025-2026 school year and after will be subject to these changes. The number of units is 24, with the distribution being as follows: English (4 units), math (4 units, including algebra 1 and geometry; algebra 2 is optional but offered), science (3 units), social science (4 units), PE (1 unit), Health (0.5 units), and electives (7.5 units) are now the required courses. There are two units that are at the discretion of the school board. Additionally, a new twounit elective pathway requirement has been introduced, covering subjects such as fine arts, language, CTE, community learning, and capstone.
The Policy Advisory (2nd read) stated that students who are enrolled or eligible for enrollment in a federally recognizes tribal, nation or pueblo cannot be prohibited from wearing a tribal regalia, objects of cultural or religious significance, or tribally significant footwear or apparel under gown.
NMSBA Advisory (No. 264) adds prohibition on radicalized aggression, requires confidentiality and proper logging of disciplinary actions, and prohibits discipline or discrimination based on race, religion culture, proactive hairstyles, cultural or religious headdresses, use of tribal regalia at school events.
Recognitions
Mount Taylor Elementary secretary Jayme Avitia received the Social Emotional Learning/Love (SEL) award. GCCS Superintendent Lane Widner stated “She works very hard everyday, and her colleagues notices that and they appreciate the work that she does.”
Milan Elementary School secretary Brittany Melonas also received a Social Emotional Love award, in which Superintendent Widner explained “[She] works very hard everyday. Her colleagues have noticed what she does, they appreciate everything she does, and they wanted her to be recognized.”
Los Alamitos Middle School teacher Adrian Padilla received the educhampion belt. Widner said “A gentlemen who is an outstanding teacher. His students appreciate learning from him. His school appreciates everything that he does to advocate for his classes, his coursework, his preparedness for every lesson, every day… He makes a difference as a teacher and we want to recognize this outstanding gentleman.”