The September 12th Artesia Public Schools board meeting began after roll call, the pledge of allegiance, and a salute to the New Mexico state flag. The agenda received approval and the special presentation and recognition began.
Three members of the Artesia Park Junior High School student council gave a presentation on what’s happening so far this school year at the Junior High. Amy Johnson, 5th grade teacher from Central Elementary, was recognized as the Tate Branch Success Maker for August.
Next, on the consent agenda, the minutes of the regular school board meetings for August 8, 2022, received approval. Once the minutes are approved by the school board, the minutes are posted to the district’s website. Read the minutes from previous meetings at Our Governing Board – Artesia Public Schools (bulldogs.org) The transportation items for 2022-2023 were then approved.
The Director of Finance, Janet Grice, reported on bills, budget, budget adjustments, fund balance, fixed assets, and reconciliation. Motion passed to approve. The Director of Health and Wellness Mitzi McCaleb reported 31 staff members recently received NARCAN training and 144 boxes of NARCAN arrived today and would be distributed throughout the school district. NARCAN is an opioids antagonist to be administered to individuals who have overdosed on opioids such as fentanyl. McCaleb discussed getting additional teachers and staff trained. She also gave an update on the Bulldog Wellness Center. Permian Basin Counseling & Guidance is on site two days a week and has seen an average of 10 clients per week. They are looking adding another day to the schedule due to the number of inquiries. Off-site group therapy or grief therapy has been requested and possible locations are being explored.
Cari Jowers, Special Education Director, sought approval for the hiring of Micheala Phipps for the positions of DD-Pre-School and the cross-country assistant coach. The motion was approved to wave the nepotism rule and hire Phipps.
Next, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education and federal programs Tammy Davis gave an overview of last spring’s standardized test scores. Davis said this was the first time 3rd-5th grade had taken standardized tests because of the pandemic. Davis reported Artesia students are performing higher in all areas than students in the state.
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Danny Parker, gave an overview of secondary test scores and how the staff will be focusing on factors that make the biggest influence on student learning. Parker emphasized the teachers and staff are not satisfied with recent scores and will be moving forward rigorously with the goal of 100% of students being proficient at English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Parker and Davis reported on NM-MSSA, SAT School Day, and NM-Assessment of Science Readiness test scores. Parker called on staff members who gave updates on APS instructional programs:
· Lynn Worley, Yeso Elementary Principal – math instruction
· Leslie Cataño, Roselawn Elementary Principal – ELA instruction
· Eric Greier, Artesia High School Principal – back to basics with instruction, application, evaluation.
· Chanda Krandall, Artesia Park Junior High School Principal – including reports from Ashley Mason, 8th and 9th Grade Science, and Kelly Bush, 9th Grade English
· Darian Jaramillo, Artesia Intermediate School Principal – recent switch from 10 periods to seven periods per day
· Thadd Phipps, Superintendent – Removing cell phones from classrooms and encouraging parents to be in touch with teachers about what they know students are learning and what they’re struggling with.
Parker also shared a video and reported the Pathful Connect Program will be rolled out soon for grades 6-12. Pathful Connect is a virtual work-based learning program that connects teachers and industry experts virtually in the classroom. The three-year subscription was purchased by the school district with a $24,000 grant.
Lastly Davis reported professional development being held on September 14 on restorative practices.
Assistant Superintendent of Operations Cody Skinner presented requests for approval. The proposal for the installation of a sound shell system for $189,202.82 at the Estelle Yates Auditorium passed. The request for two John Deere mowers from Pecos Valley Equipment for $65,912.76 from the CB9 account passed, and approval on the CES proposal for a new running track at Bulldog Bowl was postponed. Skinner’s request to dispose of two Chevrolet Impalas, two 2005 Chevrolet Suburbans, and one Ford Excursion at an auction on October 21 passed. Skinner reported that lightning recently struck the press box at the Bulldog Bowl, and there was a water main break right before the homecoming football game. Skinner then gave a construction update of projects around the district.
Superintendent Thadd Phipps reported on staff and operations items. He presented no retirement announcements, no leave of absence announcements, a few resignation announcements, eight employment announcements, and current job postings.
Several parents of golf students spoke regarding offseason golf and participating in golf tournaments during the fall. Athletic Director Cooper Henderson shared Artesia Public Schools multi-sport philosophy and the reasons for a spring-only golf season. A couple golf parents also recommended a revamp of 7th period off season followed by long discussion on difficulties of changes to the 7th period format. School Board chair Jeff Bowman recommended the discussion continue.
Phipp’s review of APS District Priorities and NMPED updates/legislative was postponed due to time restraints.
Important dates for the district in the month of September and October are as follows:
• September 14th Professional Development, Early release of students – 1:24 p.m.
• September 26th Fall 2022 Region VI Board Meeting in Lake Arthur – 5:30 p.m.
• October 17th next board meeting — 6:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.
