By Rosanne Boyett Reporter
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – The Grants/Cibola County School District board approved nine action items, but there were concerns about the two upcoming graduation ceremonies.
The five-member board had few questions during the May 18 meeting after Grants High School Principal Lane Widner reported on preparations for the May 21 event. The principal described the outdoor ceremony which honors 143 seniors; five are receiving diplomas through the earlygraduation program. The GHS Angry Jack Productions will broadcast the event via YouTube noted Principal Widner.
Laguna-Acoma High School Principal Jackie Sanchez emphasized the excitement expressed by community members in anticipation of the May 22 outdoor ceremony which honors 42 graduating seniors. He outlined the public health restrictions which were developed in consultation with the Pueblo of Acoma and Pueblo of Laguna. Principal Sanchez said these include mandatory face masks, social distancing, and guests may be asked to provide proof of vaccination status.
(The facility is in Casa Blanca, Pueblo of Laguna; the Pueblo remains closed because of the threats posed by COVID-19. Access to L-AHS is available from Interstate 40 via Indian Service Road 124 noted one board member.)
Board Vice President Richard Jones spoke adamantly about potential legal implications that could result from the Laguna-Acoma High School graduation ceremony.
“You are letting an entity [tribal government] that does not govern our district run restrictions at a G/CCSD event,” he said.
Superintendent Max Perez responded that the Pueblo of Laguna has the authority to restrict who can access tribal lands.
“This is a huge HIPPA violation,” claimed Jones.
“This is a HIPPA lawsuit waiting to happen. As a school district we cannot allow this overreach to spill over on us. Proof of vaccination is not the law anywhere in this country. This is an infringement of civil liberties.”
“Let’s not make this an issue. It is a very simple thing that the tribe [Pueblo of Laguna] has done,” commented board member Emily Hunt-Dailey who added, “Thank you, Principal Sanchez for your diplomacy in handling this.”
The L-AHS principal reiterated earlier comments and noted that the seniors and their families were notified in advance that the Pueblo may require proof of vaccination prior to entry.
Member Dr. Guy Archambeau commented that his primary concern was focused on logistics and ensuring that attendees have sufficient notice about the ceremony protocols.
Superintendent Perez responded that district staff have been in contact with those who may be traveling long distances to attend the May 22 event.
“I support the L-AHS graduates and their ceremony 100 percent,” said Vice President Jones.
I’m proud of all of them.” (Editor’s note: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, is a federal law that prevents healthcare professionals from sharing private health information without the patient's permission. The law has no bearing on who can ask or answer questions about health status outside a healthcare setting, according to legal experts.
Alan Meisel, a professor of law and bioethics at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, explained that HIPAA rules apply only to sharing information between "covered entities." The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services describes covered entities as “health plans, health care clearinghouses, and those health care providers that conduct certain health care transactions electronically,” according to a May 19 Fact Check article published by usatoday.com.)
Both Principal Widner and Principal Sanchez stressed that organizers of the respective events plan to adhere closely to COVID guidelines throughout the evening.
Board actions
The board voted unanimously to approve the NMSU-Grants 2021-22 operating budget, purchase eight district vehicles as part of phase II fleet upgrades, formal ratification of G/CCDS budget adjustment request, the second reading of the New Mexico School Board Association Policy Advisory 210-214, purchase of new school buses to replace three of the 2009 models with a projected delivery date in November, the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program for 2021-22 school year, cancellation of the July 6 regular board meeting because some staff are taking time off during the extended summer learning program, and home side bleachers at Grants High School which will be done by the low bidder and include ADA compliant seating for eight people. The number of handicapaccessible seating complies with state and federal mandates reported District Facilities Director Vance Lee.
Disposing of and auctioning off asset items was the final item on the action agenda. District Business and Finance Director Steve Maldonado explained that this action is the next phase in asset management based on the audit findings. He predicted a July auction date following approval by the state office of auditor.
Upcoming meetings
G/CCSD teleconferencing board meetings
• Tuesday, June 1, 5:30 p.m., boardroom, 413 Roosevelt Ave., Grants.
• Tuesday, June 15, 5:30 p.m., boardroom, 413 Roosevelt Ave., Grants.
• CANCELLED – Tuesday, July 6, 5:30 p.m., boardroom, 413 Roosevelt Ave., Grants.
Visit gccs.k12.nm.us or call 505-285- 2603 for more information.