The Board of Education of the Artesia Public School District met in regular session in the Lowell M. Irby Board Room, at 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER – Mr. Bowman, Board President, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL – A Roll Call was taken with the following members present:
JEFF BOWMAN DAVID CONKLIN KRISTY CROCKETT BEN HARVEY CHERIE WIDMAYER – Not Present
Staff attending the meeting in person included John Ross Null-Superintendent via ZOOM, Danny Parker-Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Cody Skinner, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education and Federal Programs, Thad Phipps-Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Janet Grice, Director of Finance, Mykol Horner-Secretary to the Board. Other staff members attending in person: Lynn Worley, Kaci Whitmire, Tammy Davis, Marsha Molina, Darian Jaramillo, Mitzi McCaleb, Eric Greer. Staff members attending through ZOOM were Audrey Sanchez, Leslie Catano, Chanda Crandall, Halee Goff, Scott Neel, and Mark Williams, Teresa Lemon with Artesia Daily Press also joined via ZOOM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The pledge to the United States flag and the official salute to the New Mexico flag were led by Mr. Harvey.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mr. Bowman asked for corrections, deletions, or changes to the agenda. A motion was made by Mr. Conklin and seconded by Mrs. Crockett to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITONS – Mr. Null presented Jennifer Letcher, a teacher at Yucca School, with the Tate Branch Success Maker Award for the month of March.
Her Successory notes were read to the board and audience.
The Artesia High School Student Council was recognized for being elected as Student Council of the Year, and Bailey Rutherford was honored for being chosen as State Student Council President.
The Board also acknowledged the SPA (Business Professionals of America) State Championship Winners for their many achievements.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS –
⦁ Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting, March 14, 2022
⦁ Transportation Items – None for this meeting
⦁ Auditorium Requests – None for this meeting
Mr. Null asked the Board to approve the Consent Agenda Items as presented. Mr. Conklin made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Harvey, and the motion passed unanimously.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE REPORT
⦁ Recommend Approval of (as included in Board Packets):
⦁ Bills – (See Exhibit A)
⦁ Budget Report – (See Exhibit B)
⦁ Budget Adjustments – (See Exhibit C)
⦁ Fund Balance Report – (See Exhibit D)
⦁ Loans – (See Exhibit E) – Quarterly
⦁ Fixed Assets Reconciliation Report – (See Exhibit F)
Mrs. Grice, concurred by Mr. Null, asked the Board to approve the monthly Bills, the Budget Report, the Budget Adjustments, the Fund Balance Report, the Temporary Loans Report, and the Fixed Assets Report as presented. A motion was made by Mrs. Corckett, and it was seconded by Mr. Harvey to approve the monthly Bills, the Budget Report, the Fund Balance Report, the Budget Adjustments, the Temporary Loans Report, and the Fixed Assets Report as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
ASST. SUPT. OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION & FEDERAL PROGRAMS/ASST. SUPT OF SECONDARY EDUCATION REPORT
⦁ *Seek approval of the 2022-2023 School Calendar
Mr. Parker, concurred by Mr. Null, sought approval of the 2022-2023 school calendar. Mr. Parker explained that after feedback from the public and staff input at meetings, as well as the survey issued to the staff, the overwhelming consensus is that consistency is best. Therefore, the proposed 2022-2023 calendar is consistent with the current 2021-2022 calendar. Mr. Harvey moved to approve the 2022-2023 school calendar. Mrs. Crockett seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
⦁ Artesia High School Graduation Rates 2021
Mr. Parker reported to the board on the 2021 graduation rates that were released from the New Mexico Public Education Department. The graduation rate for Artesia High School increased 1.2% from 2020, with a final 85.5% four-year cohort graduation rate for 2021. The five-year cohort rate has not yet been released. The current 85.5% graduation rate is 9 points higher than the state average.
⦁ Miscellaneous Updates on Elementary/Secondary Instruction
Mr. Skinner updated the board regarding the English Language Arts curriculum adoption. The K-8 ELA team voted to adopt the HMH curriculum that aligns with the secondary curriculum adopted last year. Mr. Skinner also outlined the upcoming state testing windows taking place over the remainder of the semester. He also informed the board regarding the elementary track meet and the elementary performance of the AHS Drama Department’s Sleeping Beauty and the Beast performance. Mr. Parker also covered the testing requirements for grades 8 and 11. While the 8th grade students are testing, the 9th grade students will be taking a field trip to ENMU in Portales.
Mr. Parker updated the board regarding the newly revised Social Studies Standards. Mr. Parker compared the new standards with the revisions that were requested by Artesia Public Schools as well as other edits that were made after public comments. The implementation plan provided by PED was also provided to the board outlining the time frame and what tasks PED, districts, schools, and teachers should be doing. The full implementation of the standards will begin in the 2023-2024 school year. The teachers and administrators will be going through the main standards that must be taught during the 2022-2023 school year to develop a plan as to which standards are imperative and appropriate for the district.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF OPERATIONS
⦁ *Seek Approval to Accept a CES Proposal for Replacement Laptops and Technology Department Inventory ·
Mr. Phipps, concurred by Mr. Null, sought approval of a CES proposal for $317,243, 87 from CDWG for 300 laptops to replace and update teacher laptops and restock the IT Department inventory. Mr. Conklin made a motion to accept the CES proposal from CDWG for the 300 laptops, and Mr. Harvey seconded the motion. This will come from our HB 33 account. The motion passed unanimously.
⦁ *Seek Approval of a CES Proposal for Replacement Desktop Computers for Artesia High School Lab and Technology Department Inventory
Mr. Phipps, concurred by Mr. Null, sought approval of a CES proposal from CDWG at a cost of $33,814.48 for 50 desktop computers for the AHS lab computer replacement and IT Department inventory. Mrs. Crockett made a motion to approve to accept the CES proposal from CDWG for 50 desktop computers for AHS lab replacement and to restock the IT Department inventory, and Mr. Conklin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Funds from the HB33 account will be used for this purchase.
⦁ *Seek Approval of a CES Proposal for Firewalls for Server Equipment Protection
Mr. Phipps, concurred by Mr. Null, sought approval of a CES proposal from CDWG for
$44,459.20 for two firewalls to be redundantly placed at the “Head End” and MDF to shield all of the Districts server equipment. Mr. Conklin made a motion to approve the proposal from CDWG for 2 firewalls to protect the Districts server equipment, and Mr. Harvey seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Funds from the HB33 account will be used for this purchase.
⦁ *Seek Approval of a CES Proposal for a New Activity Bus
Mr. Phipps, concurred by Mr. Null, sought approval of a CES proposal for $271,677.00 from Tillery Bus Sales for a new 44 passenger activity bus. Mrs. Crockett made a motion to accept the CES proposal from Tillery Bus Sales for a new 44 passenger activity bus, and it was seconded by Mr. Conklin. The motion passed unanimously. This will come from the HB33 Funds Account.
⦁ *Request Permission to Accept a CES Proposal for Security Cameras at Artesia Intermediate
Mr. Phipps, concurred by Mr. Null, sought approval of a CES proposal at a cost of $36,299.54 from J&G Electric for additional security cameras at Artesia Intermediate. These cameras will help the administration to have added security camera coverage in potential problem areas. Mr. Conklin made a motion to accept the proposal from J&G Electric, and it was seconded by Mr. Harvey. The motion passed unanimously. This purchase will come from the HB33 Funds.
⦁ *Request Permission to Seek Bids for Parking Lot Maintenance Services
Mr. Phipps, concurred by Mr. Null, requested permission to seek bids for Parking Lot Services. We are in rotation to maintain the parking lots at our Elementary Schools, the Intermediate
School, and the Junior High School. These projects will consist of sealing, filling cracks and redoing the striping. Mrs. Crockett made a motion to grant permission to seek bids for Parking Lot Services, and it was seconded by Mr. Conklin. The motion passed unanimously.
⦁ *Request Permission to Sick Bids for Roof Maintenance Services
Mr. Phipps, concurred by Mr. Null, requested permission to seek bids for roof maintenance. This would include routine cleaning of bird waste, periodic inspections, and maintenance services. Mr. Harvey made a motion to allow Mr. Phipps to seek bids for roof maintenance and it was seconded by Mrs. Crockett. The motion passed unanimously.
⦁ Construction Update
Mr. Phipps spoke on the various projects in the district. The Estelle Yates Auditorium and the new wrestling facility are still in the designing stages.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
⦁ Staff and Operation Items: Mr. Null announced the following:
⦁ Retirement Announcements:
⦁ Bonnie Torrez – Teacher – Central Elementary
⦁ Kim Tibbs – Teacher – Yucca Elementary
⦁ Rosa C de Baca – Teacher – Yucca Elementary
⦁ Oscar Moreno – Teacher – Artesia Intermediate
⦁ Leave of Absence Announcements:
⦁ Resignation Announcements
⦁ Ofelia Varela – Custodian Artesia Junior High School
⦁ Employment Announcements –
⦁ Mitzi McCaleb – Director of Health and Wellness Services
⦁ Marsha Molina – Principal – Grand Heights Early Childhood Center
⦁ Kate DeHoyos – Principal – Central Elementary School
⦁ Javyn Sillas – Special Education Teacher/Coach -Artesia Intermediate
⦁ Current Job Postings –
⦁ Elementary Teacher – Yeso Elementary School
⦁ Assistant Principal/Title 1 Reading Teacher – Yeso Elementary School
⦁ Custodian – Artesia Junior High School
⦁ Elementary Teacher – Yucca Elementary School (2 Positions)
⦁ Physical Education Teacher with Coaching Assignments – Hermosa Elementary School
⦁ Head Varsity Wrestling Coach w/Teaching Assignment – Artesia High School
⦁ Science Teacher – Artesia High School
⦁ Elementary Teacher – Central Elementary School (2 Positions)
⦁ DD Preschool Teacher – Grand Heights ECC
⦁ Spanish/Bilingual Teacher – Artesia Junior High School
⦁ Special Education Instructional Assistant – District
⦁ D-Level Special Education Instructional Assistant – Roselawn Elementary School
⦁ Elementary Teacher – Roselawn Elementary School
⦁ Crossing Guard 1.5 hours/day
⦁ Piano Accompanist & Choral Instructional Asst. – Artesia Intermediate School
⦁ Elementary Music Teacher – Elementary Schools
⦁ Speech Therapist (SLP) – Staffed by the Artesia Public Schools
⦁ 2021-2022 Substitute Teachers – Artesia Public Schools
⦁ 2021-2022 Substitute Cafeteria Assistants & Substitute Custodians – APS
⦁ Activity Bus Drivers – Artesia Public Schools
⦁ Discussion of Board Member Boundary Redistricting
Ms. Brittany Poss with Research and Polling, Inc. outlined four plans regarding boundary redistricting for the board. Redistricting is required every ten years after the census. The members received information regarding each of the four plans presented. The plans are based off equal population, minority voting rights, contiguity, compactness, and communities of interest. The plan will be discussed again at the May meeting with action to be taken at the June Meeting.
⦁ New Mexico Public Education Department Updates/Legislative Updates/Covid Updates/Budget Updates
Mr. Null updated the board regarding the current enrollment status. Enrollment has remained
steady from March 14th to present. Mr. Null also reported to the board regarding the budget process. A significant part of the budget planning process will pertain to salary increases for the 2022-2023 school year. All staff will receive a 3% raise before the end of the school year that is equal to 3% of one quarter of the current base salary. Staff members will receive this payment in May. The administration is also recommending a 4% salary increase for the 2022- 2023 school year for all staff based on the new base salary resulting from the 3% pay raise for the current school year. Any staff not meeting the new minimums for Levels I, 11, and 11 will be moved to the new minimums. The district has estimated the allocation amount received from PED will result in an approximate $400,000 shortage to cover the increase. A proposed budget will be presented to the board during the May 9th board meeting.
⦁ Public Forum
None for this meeting.
⦁ DATES TO REMEMBER
⦁ April 15th – Sprint Interim – No School
⦁ April 22nd – Staff Professional Development/Staff Awards – No School for Students
⦁ May 9th – Next Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
⦁ May 13th – All Sports Day – No School
⦁ May 24th – Penasco Graduation – 7:00 p.m.
⦁ May 26th – Last Day of School/Artesia High School Graduation – 7:30 p.m.
⦁ EXECUTIVE SESSION
None for this meeting.
⦁ ADJOURNMENT- The Regular Board Meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Cherie Widmayer, Secretary
