GMCS Board Meeting
17 May 2004
Ramah, NM
Roll Call: 6 PM, Andrianne Sloan Absent
Meeting to be held on 5/18/04 from 9-12 PM at the
Ramada Limited between representatives of GMCS and the County Commission
to discuss joint issues; roads, police, Nizhoni Extension, Aquativity
Center, etc. Supt. White, Assist. Supt. Manuelito are to attend. Mr.
Bright will represent the GMCS Board.
LESC Report
Accountability: Nothing is in place to rate the
schools until September.
Finance: Monies have been legislated for all
testing but Districts have not seen any of this money. GMCS has to spend
an extra $500,000, so far.
Licensure
It was reported by Theresa Mariano the GMCS has not
received any response to Rep. Lundstrom’s letter on behalf of the GMCS
Board regarding licensure. The concern is the dossier needed to move
from Level 1 to Level 2. Level 1 teachers have 3 years to get to Level
2, must pass state exams, participate for 1 year in a mentoring program,
and complete a dossier. The Administration believes that this excess
“would set teachers up for failure” and open GMCS up for liability
litigation.
Reps. Lundstrom and Martinez reportedly had said
“We just voted for raises for teachers, not added bureaucracy!”
According to the Administration, if Level 1
teachers do not fulfill requirements in 3 years, they will be without
jobs.
Board Member Bright added that this would
exacerbate the problem of teachers leaving GMCS after 2 years.
Tse’ Yi’ Gai’ High School Update
One GMCS school bus must pass through Sandoval
County to transport students.
President Shirley’s office has thanked GMCS for
caring enough to construct a school at Pueblo Pintado.
Paul Hanson Scholarship
Paul Hanson Golf Tournament, the source of
scholarships, will be on May 22.
John Lastyona, Central High, is the recipient of
the Paul Hanson Scholarship. He received certificates and recognition
from the GMCS Board.
Reading First
NMPED awarded Reading First grant totaling $8.2
million to 4 GMCS schools: Chuirch Rock, Juan de Oñate, Rock View, and
Twin Lakes.
Superintendent Evaluation
The GMCS Board approved the Superintendent’s
Evaluation Criteria/Rubric. Supt. White will review this.
Health and Fitness Committee
GMCS Board approved recommendations of the Health
and Fitness Committee:
Prohibiting non-licensed private vendors on campus
Placing foods with nutritional value in vending
machines
Budget
John Samford reported on the 2004-05 budget.
Total Operational Budget Expenditure projection:
$71,686,147
Salaries and benefits: 80% of the budget:
$62,883,245
Total Essential Fixed Costs: $5,546,784
Salary Increase
The Legislature appropriated funds for a 2% salary increase for all
public school personnel. Although this increase is “highly
recommended,” the language that specified the increase as mandatory
for Districts with membership greater than 10,000 was vetoed by the
Governor.
Education is what remains when the students have forgotten what they
were taught.
Anonymous
Help children understand that life is like a buffet line. There aren’t
any waiters, so you have to help yourself.
Anonymous
Teach your students that they should never beg for what they have the
power to earn.
Anonymous
GMCS Board Meeting
3 May 2004
Education Foundation meeting at Central Office on
Wednesday May 5 at 5:30 PM
Government-to-Government met on April 20 in
Bernalillo.
Funding has been found for the “Neighbor Extension”
which will give Gallup High another exit/entrance. The State
Transportation Department will fund $2.2 million and Gov. Richardson will
ensure another $1.5 million. For Commissioner Mendoza’s efforts on this
project, it will be known as the “Mendoza Extension.”
Early Closures:
Indian Hills May 28
Red Rock and Smith Lake June 4
Rep. Patti Lundstrom gave a presentation on
legislation:
$120 million from the General Fund to the
Contingency Fund
$2 billion to schools
2% salary increase funded
Tier 2 funded to $35,000
EA minimum salary at $12,000
There is a good possibility that Rep. Lundstrom
will be put on the Legislative Finance Committee.
Mr. Linford reported on the Elementary Arts Project
The goal is to incorporate arts across the
curriculum.
There is confusion about what the monies are to be
used for.
Some principals wanted to alter the focus of the
grant and use moneies to supplant operational funds.
Less than half of the $84,000 is used.
A continuation grant has been applied for
($300,000) and 14 schools are interested. Money is to train teachers to
use art across the curriculum.
Ray Macias selected as the project director.
Tse’ Yi’ Gai’ High School Update:
Administration buildings, etc. will be done on
September 18.
Housing is to be complete by the end of September.
They are looking at portables, Smith Lake
teacherages, and other contingencies.
Dedication ceremony on September 27.
Capt. Pat Balok of the Kennedy Mid Civil Air Patrol
gave a presentation on the program. Several cadets were in attendance.
Student/Staff Recognition
Reading Is Fundamental Team at Lincoln Elementary
GHS Culinary Arts Competition Winners (Jessica
Gallegos from Central high was the won $3000)
Student Advisory Council Members
Counseling for College Award to Suzanne Fortney of
GHS
IST Paula Garcia of Lincoln Elementary
Paul Hansen Memorial Scholarship won by Candice
Lewis of Ramah and Kimberly Hall of Thoreau.
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week May 3 to May 9
Resolution read aloud by Supt. White
GMCS Board listened to Principal Pauletta White and 2
students from the Middle College High School. MCHS wants to add 10th
graders to their program. It is now made up of 11th and 12th
graders. The maximum number of students will remain at 50. The Board
approved with the stipulation that the student must have attempted 10th
grade or have a medical reason.
Board Member Bill Bright read recommendations from
the Health and Fitness Committee:
Promoting non-competitive activities.
Providing for intramural activity.
Changing pictures on food beverage machines to
match machine contents.
Five year strategic plan approved.
Revisions made to Open Enrollment policy to comply
with HB 212.
The best fight a student can get into is with himself.
Anon.
The right angle to solve a difficult problem is the try-angle.
Ellis Levitt
What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.
Abraham Lincoln
Public opinion is the most potent monarch this world knows.
Benjamin Harrison
Kleine kinder, kleine tzuris; grosse kinder, grosse tzuris.
OIld Yiddish Proverb
GMCS Board Meeting
Navajo Pine High School
19 April 2004
All Board Members Present
Superintendent’s Report
Agreement for a clinic at Crownpoint has been
signed and will be active next year.
GMCS officials met with tribal officials to explain
the reconfiguration of Smith Lake Elementary
Last day of school
May 28 at Indian Hills Elementary (building will be
leveled on May 10)
June 4 at Red Rock Elementary, Smith Lake
Elementary
GMCS Board Retreat 5:30-7:30 on April 21
Government-to-Government Meeting on April 20 in
Bernalillo.
Mr. Richard Donaghey gave a presentation on the GMCS
IST program.
Supt. White reported that she spoke with Rep. Udall
when he was in Gallup. Rep. Udall received a status report on the impact
aid lawsuit.
GMCS reports that $2.2 million is available for the
GHS Nizhoni Extension. An additional $1 million is still needed.
Gallup Sunrise Kiwanis are ensuring that each 3rd
grader receives a dictionary.
Ms. Gloria Begay, Indian Education Coordinator, gave
a presentation on “No Parent Left Behind” Summit at Red Rock State Park on
March 25 and 26.
GMCS Board Five Year Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: GMCS will meet or exceed NM accountability
standards.
Goal 2: GMCS will maintain safe and healthy school
environments for students and staff.
Goal 3: GMCS will ensure that all parents are
encouraged through a variety of opportunities to be involved in the
education of their children.
Goal 4: GMCS will develop new and strengthen
existing collaborative, positive partnerships with higher education,
business, media, and government entities.
Goal 5: GMCS administrators will ensure compliance
with district, state, and/or federal policies, processes, statutes,
regulations and/or laws.
Ms. Chantal Irvin reported that GMCS will spend $1
million to train teachers to teach reading with Scholastic Red.
The program involves group collaboration and
application. GMCS is looking at providing credit through UNM or WNMU.
GMCS Board Meeting
5 April 2004
All Board Members Present
Budget Adjustments
Budget adjusted to reflect $100,000 award. This
will go towards development of the regional education center at Smith
Lake Elementary.
Budget adjusted to reflect $14,200,000 PSCOC funds
for education of new Tse’ Yi’ Gai’ high school.
April: Scholl Library Media Proclamation Month.
Supt. White reported on the Government-to-Government
meeting to be attended on April 20 by Ms. Price and Ms. Manuleito.
Diné Education
Mrs. Dee McKerry from Diné Education requested a
meeting, tentatively for April 15, to review plans for Smith Lake
Elementary reconfiguration.
Lincoln Elementary to be featured in Parade
Magazine.
Secondary Principals will report on the Alaska trip
at the May GMCS Board meeting.
Supt. White met with Carl’s Jr. food chain, Sammy C.
from KYVA, and a representative of the Elementary Principals to discuss
promotion of student attendance through an incentive program and the new
Harry Potter in June.
Tse’ Yi’ Gai’ High School
Mr. Daniel Martin provided a written report on Tse’
Yi’ Gai’ High School:
Major concern is the residential areas of the
teachers during construction.
Applicants are being reviewed
Several positions are filled
Student handbook is 90% completed and will be
complete by 30 June
Classes and schedules are being finalized
Furniture, sports uniforms, software, and hardware
are on order
Cost: Approximately $2 million
Regional Science Fair Awards (Thoreau Mid) and Native
American Science Fair (Thoreau High) were announced
A diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty
James Madison
Never murder a man who is committing suicide.
Woodrow Wilson
No man is good enough to govern another without the other’s consent.
Abraham Lincoln
Give students everything they want and, later on, they’ll believe the
world owes them a living.
Anonymous
GMCS Board Meeting
15 March 2004
Central Office
All Members Present
Staff/Student Recognition:
Thoreau Mid Student Brenna Cob recognized for
winning the Regional Spelling Bee
Mrs. Debra Moya of Oñate Elementary recognized for
winning the Golden Apple Award
Seven recipients were selected out of 381
nominations from 191 schools in 60 communities
Special Board Meeting on March 24 at 1 PM to hear the
bid on teacherages for the district’s new high school
The district’s 5 year plan is to be present on April
19 at Navajo Pine High School. Rep. Patti Lundstrom will attend to give a
presentation on the legislative session.
The Board Meeting on April 5 will include a study
session on the budget.
Sen. Tsosie’s stipulation that Smith Lake Elementary
School remain open for GMCS to receive $70 million budget request was
vetoed by Gov. Richardson as the authority rests with the local school
board and conflicts with substantive law.
A break-in was reported at Navajo Pine High. The
student offender was caught and a police report was filed.
GMCS received $1270 from Wells Fargo: $10-15 for each
new account opened at New Teacher Orientation. The money is to be used for
the Student Advisory Committee.
The March 27 Board Retreat will focus on the
Superintendent’s Evaluation.
The GMCS Dress Code was tabled again so Principals
can review it. Some parts are “out of date.” Principals will get input
from communities and ASCs. There is an ASC meeting scheduled for April.
The Hazing/Intimidation Policy was passed unanimously
after the name change to “Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Policy.”
According to Mr. Gintowt from the Hearing Authority, the policy only
covers students.
The GMCS Board questioned Mr. Gintowt on truancy and
if driving priviledges are to be effected. What about schools on
reservation lands? Ms. Sloan and Ms. Price also wanted information on
In-School Suspension. How many schools have ISS? What specifically warrant
ISS?
Assist. Supt. Haskie gave an update on building
plans:
Crownpoint Mid School was eventually get rid of all
portable buildings.
Indian Hills will complete Phase I by May 13. Phase
II is to be the demolition of the main school complex.
Chee Dodge will be completed during the last part
of May.
Mr. Bright reported on the Health and Fitness
Committee.
Much discussion followed about the purpose of thee
School Board and the job of the Health Alliance to redundancy and other
committees needing to step up and do their jobs.
Supt. White stated that GMCS has state mandated
standards and Assist. Supt. Irvin read aloud a long list of
health/fitness programs being implemented at schools throughout the
district.
Ms. Price stated that the no soda machine policy
should also go for teachers.
Grant Application Shortfall Approval: Mr. Linford,
Grants/Public Relations Coordinator, reported on entitlement and
discretionary grants. Sixty-four grants are currently managed. He stated
that more office space and an additional grant writer are needed as there
are grants that he can’t get to and monies are lost. Supt. White
recommended approval of a short term contract for an additional grant
writer. Item was passed unanimously.
Get Out the Vote: Report made by Lela Altruely with
20 year old District Clerk candidate Morris. Partnership is wanted with
GMCS to go into schools with Codetalkers to encourage students to vote.
Supt. White requested a letter of introduction stating purposes and
advised the speakers to work with individual principals.
GHS teachers Gay Deen Hice and David Archangeli
received Board approval for student travel to France over spring break.
TFA presentation given by Director Justin May. He
addressed the District concerns of effectiveness, listing accomplishments
and qualifications of TFA teachers. There are 47 TFA teachers in GMCS,
over 70 when Zuni and the BIA are included. May stated that TFA teachers
will not be given their $4700 stipend if they’re not accountable, if they
don’t complete their PDP, and keep licensed. May requested that the
District provide $500 for each TFA teacher in the District to help cover
costs.
Officers of the GHS Student Council requested that
GMCS pay Advanced Placement Testing fees. Supt. White suggested that the
Board consider paying for exams passed as an incentive.
GMCS lobbyists presented accomplishments during the
legislative session.
Meeting adjourned to an Executive Session at 9:12.
Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers
Tennyson
Don’t always protect your students from consequences. Those consequences
can be the most valuable lesson of the day.
Anon.
The cure for bad politics is the same as the cure for tuberculosis. It is
living in the open.
Woodrow Wilson
GMCS Board Meeting
2 February 2004
Central Office 6PM
All Members Present
Dates:
February 3: Native American Day at NM State
Legislature
March 1: No-Name Calling Week
Smith Lake
Supt. White and Assist. Supt. for Human Resources
Mariano visited Smith Lake with PTO President Denton.
All students will attend Thoreau Elementary. This
will keep students together and they won’t have to travel through the
canyon.
Licensure and preference of transfer information
was taken by Assist. Supt. Mariano. “Teachers are happy.”
Principal Martin is moving to Crownpoint High to
prepare for his new position at the district’s new high school.
GMCS warehouse trucks are to move residents and
classroom materials to other district schools.
Thoreau Elementary PTO Meeting on February 10 at 6
PM.
Mr. Doug Reems will speak to Principals about
leadership on February 3 at the Multicultural Center.
Ms. Louise Benally, GMCS Language Development
Specialist, fielded questions from the Board and reported on the effects
of NCLB on the GMCS Bilingual Education Program.
Schools are required to gather and submit data,
as well as keep accurate records of student achievement.
Thirteen GMCS Schools currently have a bilingual
program.
Ms. Andrienne Sloan was nominated and approved to
serve on the Aquatic Architecture Service Selection Subcommittee.
The Gallup City Council was asked to provide one
member.
Mr. John Samford now serves on the subcommittee.
The Aquativity Center is to be located at the soccer
field on Boardman Ave., next to JFK Mid School.
MCFUSE submitted a request for an extension of
temporary access to GMCS Internal Distribution Boxes. Access ended on
January 31. Included was the request to extend this access to Central
Office boxes.
Supt. White stated that access “was granted to
assist MCFUSE in a good faith effort to promote their election” and that
MCFUSE “has taken no action in these past 3 months.”
“In the spirit of cooperation,” Supt. White
recommended that the MCFUSE request should be granted “30 calendar days
before an election date.”
When asked for comments by Mr. Thompson and the
Board, MCFUSE President Bernard responded by clarifying that the initial
waiver to Board Policy for box access was NEVER an issue of the election
and that it was only mentioned as a possible deadline: “January 31 or
the election, whatever comes first.” At the granting of the initial
request, Bernard told Mr. Thompson that the 31st would come
“way before” the election.
Bernard stated that the purpose of the Board
waiver to box access was to improve communication between the District
and MCFUSE.
Bernard added that box access to specific schools
sites, without Central Office box access, was still a strain on the
organization. It was a gesture of goodwill, but lacking substance. He
argued that an election without Central Office box access was like
holding a Presidential election and not allowing voters to know who the
candidates are.
Ms. Price moved to table the request until more
information can be gathered from collective bargaining officials on
elections.
MCFUSE will refer this issue to state union
authorities and arrange for a presentation on elections to the Board.
An Executive Session was convened to discuss the
contract of Supt. White.
A February 13 retreat will be held from 4 PM-6 PM
to continue contract discussions.
The Board felt more time was needed to work on a
job description and evaluation process for the position of
superintendent.
Principal Cunningham and Mr. Price of Thoreau High
School gave a video presentation to the Board on hiding weapons in street
clothing.
Out of 115 referrals at Thoreau HS, Cunningham
reported that 69 had to do with “bag and sag.”
The Presenters were in favor of having tucked in
shirts added to the student dress
Ms. Price bought up the issue of truancy.
In the recent past, truant students had burglarized
homes. Ms. Price wants the Board to look at the Truancy Policy and “give
it more teeth.”
Supt. White stated that Gov. Richardson had put out
an RFP to give schools money to deal with truancy, but that most schools
don’t qualify. Only Central High and Navajo Pine qualify in the
district.
There was discussion on Teen/Peer Courts.
Some work within the court system while others deal
with infractions.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
A student who tries something and fails is better than a student who does
nothing and succeeds.
Anon.
Don't spit into the well from which you might have to drink.
Yiddish Proverb
I beg of you to stop apologizing for being a member of the most important
profession in the world.
William G. Carr
The mere absence of war is not peace.
John Kennedy
One cannot take out auto insurance and file a claim after an accident has
occurred or get health insurance for a pre-existing condition. Union membership
works much the same way.
MCFUSE
GMCS Board Meeting
20 January 2004
All Present
Mavis Price questioned $3500 to pay people assisting
at Crownpoint High Title I Parent meeting. She wanted to know to whom the
money was being paid. Mr. Samford did not specifically know but said it
was to parents.
February 6 is Gallup Day at the State Legislature.
Verna Escudero has been submitted by GMCS for recognition by the
Legislature.
GMCS Board will visit the El Paso district on
February 27.
Facilities Plan Retreat on January 27 cancelled.
This will be rescheduled when a presentation on the Master Facilities Plan
can be made.
Penny Bird, NMPED Assistant Superintendent for Indian
Education, will be in the district on January 26.
Laptop Initiative has begun. Tohatchi Mid students
and teachers will receive laptops.
Capital Outlay Task Force met in Santa Fe on January
17.
All Schools across the state are rated.
All schools across the district are rated.
The district will receive a copy of this report to
review and amend or correct. The finalized report should be adopted in
March.
Ramah High is at the top of the list.
State Financial Committee wants to see more progress
with Bilingual Education students.
Leonard Haskie reported on school construction at
Pueblo Pintado.
The BIA added stipulations on the water agreement.
After meeting with the BIA and Navajo Nation7 wells were identified plus
a lake. The water problem was solved.
Over 3200 feet of the right of way has to be okayed
before power lines go up. The document for the right of way was
submitted to the Navajo Nation President.
March 5: Construction update meeting.
Work acceleration if the weather permits. A target
opening date of September 2004 can be met.
Dr. Tempest stated that he read in the Albuquerque
Journal the $6 million of NM funds has been returned and questioned Mr.
Samford about it. Mr. Samford replied that some state money has been
returned to the federal government but assured the Board that no money was
returned from GMCS.
GMCS School Board presented certificates to Lincoln
Elementary Principal Phyllis Casuse and teacher Densie Swatzell for
exemplary performance of duties with regard to a lockdown situation at the
school.
The Board approved the 2004-05 Capital Improvement.
Superintendent White said the it is “critical that the list of repairs be
approved now.”
Mentioned were the baseball, softball, and soccer
fields at Gallup High. “Artificial turf field should help with the
maintenance and upkeep of the grass fields. “
In the past priorities have largely been up to the
Superintendent’s office. Builders, roofers, etc now do setting these
priorities in a more equitable manner
Andrieane Sloan questioned the replacement of the
Gallup High Library swamp cooler for a refrigerated air unit. Local
climate and library location does not allow excessive humidity to escape.
Reconfiguration of Smith Lake Elementary School
According to Superintendent White, Smith Lake
Principal Martin asked for the review of Smith Lake to be moved up from
the 120th day to the 80th day in order to
acclimate students with other schools and to give staff time to
transfer.
Currently the average education cost per GMCS
student is $4000.
Crownpoint: $3000/student
Thoreau: $4000/student
Ramah: $5000/student
Average cost per student at Smith Lake is $7000
(71.7% above average.)
Reconfiguration would close only the elementary
school
Pre-school is to stay open
UNM is offering classes at the site.
Crownpoint Institute of Technology will offer
classes at the site.
Bus and custodians will stay.
There will be an additional security position and
possibly an additional aide.
Teachers will be allowed to transfer.
Several Smith Lake community members were present
to speak against the closure of Smith Lake Elementary School.
Vice-President of the PTO, Mr. Jimmie Denton,
spoke for the group, stating that the comparison to Ramah was not
right, listing all the Ramah had and all that had been taken away from
Smith Lake. Mr. Denton added that the closure would gravely impact the
community and pleaded with the Board for a moratorium.
After listening to Smith Lake community members,
such as Principal Martin and Fran George, and further debating, as well
as a request for an impact study, Mr. l Bright made the motion to close
Smith Lake.
Ms. Price and Mr. Thompson voted to keep Smith
Lake open.
Mr. Bright, Ms, Sloan, and Dr. Tempest voted for
closure.
This was the first time that the current Board
was not unanimous.
Dr. Monaghan reported on assessments to be used for
accountability and he rating system of current students.
The District has 10 years to achieve 100% student
proficiency.
Dr. Monaghan added that there is an achievement gap
in the ethnic sub-populations, which must be narrowed.
White: 75% are proficient
Hispanic: 39-53% are proficient
Native American: 19-31% are proficient
The lowest performing groups are free and reduced
lunch, SPED, and ELL students.
At the next GMCS Board meeting, Dr. Monaghan will
present the state formula for adequate yearly progress.
Elections
Two-Mill Levy Election on February 3, 2004 7 AM-7
PM
Democratic Caucus on February 3, 2004 12 PM-7 PM
Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate. John Kennedy
The student who never wonders is like a banquet with no guests.
Anonymous
A man is known by the company he keeps, and also by the company from which
he is kept out.
Grover Cleveland
The best way for a student to get out of difficulty is to go through it.
Anonymous
GMCS News
Board Meeting
5 January 2004
Central Office
Andrienne Sloan – Absent
oMs. Price asked the following questions while referring to the
minutes of the 15 December meeting:
1.Who are
the PTO members in the district? Ms. Price requested a list of all PTO
members and asked for a list of meetings places and dates.
2.Why are there always budget adjustments for substitute salaries and
benefits made at every board meeting? Mr. Samford replied that it is never
known what the number of substitutes required will be and what the pay grade
will be.
oMs. White introduced the following people:
oMs. Charley, a graduate of Gallup High, who is currently
working on a degree in Las Cruces in SPED. She is also helping out at
Central Office.
oStudent Advisory Committee Members: Amanda Davis, Middle
College High School; Kathy Howe, Crownpoint High School; and Lonnie Rae,
Ramah High School.
oJanuary is National School Board Appreciation month. Ms. White
presented each Board Member with a certificate of appreciation and a day
planner.
oDates of Note:
o6 January, 11:30-1:30: King Dragon Restaurant, Legislative
Luncheon
o6 January, 6 PM: GMCS, Zuni, and Grants School Board will meet
regarding lawsuit
o8 January, Meeting at City Hall regarding the aquativity
center
o14 January, Board Retreat at Central Office, 6 PM
o6 February, Gallup Day at the State Legislature. Students
might have the chance to be pages on the floor of the legislature.
o11-14 March, Metro Tech Career School in Phoenix. Effective
Schools Conference. Registration for Board members who want to attend will
be paid by the organizers of the conference. (This model was earlier
discussed for possible use in GMCS.)
oInstructional Services at the Juvenile Detention Center were
discussed.
oThe number of GMCS instructors at the detention center has
dropped from 5 to 2.
oStarting second semester, there will be one regular education
teacher and one special education teacher available.
oThe regular education teacher will teach all day at the
center. The SPED teacher will be available in the mornings, and go to the
House of Hope in the afternoon.
oDistrict Teacherage and Safety Administrator
oMr. Lesher responded to questions from Ms. Price regarding
duties being performed.
oTuesday through Friday Mr. Lesher will visit schools using a
school vehicle.
oPictures were taken showing that the Tohatchi High Teacherage
was not completed.
oTohatchi Elementary Teacherage has a broken sidewalk. Mr.
Lesher suggested that the cement be removed and replaced with gravel.
oAt the Tohatchi Mid Teacherage, grates were put in the wrong
way and should be repaired. Repairs were estimated to cost less than $100.
oThe position of District Teacherage and Safety Administrator
was created because the NM Public Schools Insurance Authority has asked GMCS
to go back over its insurance claims.
oDistrict Transfer Policy
oMr. Monaghan made a presentation regarding the district’s
student transfer policy. (The district policy is not to allow the transfer
of students from one school to another during the middle of the school year.
This was discussed at the 15 December meeting.)
oAt issue is the transfer of students from one district school
to another district school during the middle of the school year.
§The main issue is the transfer of 100 students from Gallup
Junior High to Gallup High.
§These students have accumulated enough credit to transfer to
Gallup high at semester
oThe issue was debated:
§Arguments against the policy:
·Not all students, parents, and staff were informed that
students would not be able to transfer between schools mid-year.
·Parent Ann Brendahl stated that she was never informed of her
sons lack of credit
·GJHS Counselor Christina Nye stated that these students were
informed last year that they could transfer to Gallup High at semester if
they earned enough credit
·Mr. Stanley, Principal of Tohatchi Mid also raised questions
regarding how students are counted for testing
§Arguments for the policy:
·Because of NCLB mandates and state requirements testing
results will be better.
·Mr. Monaghan stated that only 28% of students who transferred
from GJHS to GHS at the semester last year passed the New Mexico High School
Competency Exam
·Mr. Carpenter, Principal of GJHS, raised the possibility of
GJHS going into corrective action because these students would not be
counted for test scores at GJHS. He stated that this would be a disservice
to all students.
oThe Board endorsed the current policy against transferring
students from one district school to another at semester.
oTohlakai Liquor License
oThe Board approved a resolution against a proposed liquor
store at the Mustang convenience store in Tohlakai.
oMayor Rosebourgh and Joe Shirley also sent a letter against
the proposed Liquor store.
oBuilding Usage at Thoreau Elementary
o Local parents and PTO members voiced concerns regarding
membership procedures in the PTO, as well as concerns regarding funding
irregularities with the PTO.
oMs. White gave the parents a district complaint form.
Experience is the name everyone gives to his mistakes.
Oscar Wilde
Make every bargain clear and plain, that way none can complain.
Anonymous
If America’s only educational duty were to educate everyone who is anxious
and willing to learn, we could close down half our public schools.
William F. Buckley
When it is not necessary to change, it is necessary not to change.
John F. Kennedy