New school board members Benjamin Harvey and Kristy Crockett were sworn in at the first school board meeting of 2022 on January 10th. Once the ceremony completed, the board agenda officially began in earnest. 

Cody Skinner, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education and Danny Parker, Superintendent of Secondary Education reported on the statewide assessment programs for students of the district and provided updates on instruction at the elementary schools and secondary school. 

Thad Phipps, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, sought CES approval for several projects around the district. The first project being civil work to be completed at the Hermosa Elementary courtyard. The second: a request for artificial turf installed at the Hermosa courtyard. Lastly, funding for vape sensors to be installed at the secondary schools came up for approval to the school board. 

This week is atypical in the fact that there is two school board sessions during the week of January 9th. The second meeting will be held January 14th at 8:30am. The meeting is an executive session which will discuss candidates for the superintendent position. There will be a review of applicants and discussion of interviews for prospective candidates. 

On Friday, Thad Phipps was named as the upcoming Superintendent of Artesia Public Schools.