There were two school board meetings, one taking place on March 18 and the other on the 25th. The first lasted six and a half hours, two hours which were in executive session, while the latter was nearly four hours and mostly executive session.
Superintendents Contract
The superintendents’ contract, discussed in executive session (without the public watching or listening) for both of these meetings, which in total was roughly five hours, was decided upon on the meeting March 25 meeting.
The superintendent’s contract was approved, including extension process and timeline, leading to superintendent Lane Widner’s salary for the year 2025-26 being $153,000. Though most of the information concerning this contract has been kept behind closed doors, Cibola Citizen has requested more information.
Security Update
For four years the school district has had its own security department, which has grown over the years. There are security staff at various sites on multiple campuses. The third goal is to have safe and inclusive schools.
District coordinator of security Jeremy Hocker asked the board, “How do you define school safety? It’s easy to put it in a nutshell and say it’s keeping kids safe, that’s it.” But for him, the idea has expanded, and he now defines it differently, saying “School safety is what we do every day to address and improve the environment that protects out staff and students.”
Hocker believes in having the school board be involved, giving input and being aware, is vital for keeping the school and campuses safe, as it starts with coming together to define what security is and “being willing to accept those challenges and take those head on.”
He recognized the significance of the school staff greeting the students arriving at school, as it helps the students know they are there and allows the staff to be aware of who is entering.
Hocker recalled that after World War I, soldiers would “coin check” each other, which meant they would show the coins they earned, proving that they participated in certain battles. It recognized their efforts and earned them respect. With that in mind, he plans to give the directors, principals, teachers, cooks and any other staff something similar for any challenges they face or incidents they manage to prevent or stop. These will give recognition to the staff who keep the students safe, it will be, as Hocker said “Hey, you’re doing something that’s changing the culture of our schools and our environment.”
He hopes to get people who are afraid to send their children to public schools, to no longer be fearful and trust the security.
There are school safety plans, but they are not available to the public and will be discussed with the board during the executive session.
The need for expanding training for the students was mentioned, as turning off their phones ringer is very important when something is happening.
The goal is to have protocols in place.
Approvals
The heating and cooling units for GHS have been approved, for the $184,923 cost. These units from Conti will last long enough to be considered more than just a “Band-Aid”, as they may last a decade. There are 15 currently installed, with 55 more that will be added, giving every classroom and possibly the administration area.
The BARS adjustment was increased to $29,108.00. This money will be used to purchase cameras for the new school buses.
State science fair students have been approved their overnight travel to Socorro for the New Mexico State science fair, which will be on April 1112. The last science fair had approximately 65 junior and 35 senior participants, along with 46 men and woman from the school district.
The Grants Cibola County school science fair ISEF qualifiers have been approved to travel to Columbus, Ohio on May 10-16.
Out of state travel plans for Laguna Acoma high school Deca national competition was approved. They will be attending an international career development conference on April 25-30 in Orlando, Florida. It will allow students, who learn about marketing and business, to compete in events and participate in emerging leadership events, as well as network with students and advisors from around the world and connect with businesses and attend workshops. Material to help each chapter member in their professional abilities and performance will be provided, helping their endeavors after graduation. Advisors will be given opportunities to participate in professional learning curriculum, chapter strategy, connecting to businesses, how to empower chapter leaders, and competitive events.
Graduate Status
Early College High School 80% on track 20% credit recovery 0% possible retention 10 graduates Grants High School 152-92% on track 10-6% credit recovery 4-2% possible retention 170 graduates Laguna Acoma High School 48-91% on track 3-% credit recovery 2-1% possible retention 53 graduates Teacher Awards
Each month teacher awards are given to teachers throughout the district. Social emotion learning teacher Joshua Pacheco, from GHS AVID, was nominated by colleagues and his administration, receiving an award after being there for one year.
Another award was given to social emotional learning teacher Naomi Hickman, from Los Alamos middle school. According to Widner, she “does a wonderful job of welcoming everyone who comes into that school. She is the smiling face that you see when you enter the school. She is at athletic events and activities. I think lately she has been opening the doors and gates. She’s kind of doing it all and there for families and the kids and keeping everything together at Los Alamitos.”
Edu-champion belt recipient is Milan Elementary 1st grade teacher Brenda Alhheim. Widner recognized how teaching first grade is not an easy task and explained that the belt is given to champions for kids and family, and for those who do an outstanding job.
Sports Update
Winter sports have come to an end and spring sports have just begun. Grants High School basketball coach Landon Chavez was presented certificates for his players for qualifying for state championship.
Laguna Acoma basketball coach Pedro won coach of the year for the district, with the Lady Hawkes basketball team being district champions and making it to the second round of state playoffs, during what is considered an “outstanding basketball season.”
Upcoming
April 2: The community is given the opportunity to say what they want to see more spending on.
April 9: NMSBA Region IV Meeting in Rio Rancho April 9-11: NMSBA Spring Budget Conference in Albuquerque April 15: Regular School Board Meeting April 18: District will be closed in observance of Good Friday.