Participants in the School Board Zoom meeting were able to post comments under each strategic plan focus area using Jamboard, a resource used by LAPS teachers.
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos Public School Board met Dec. 8 for its final board meeting of 2020.
President Ellen Ben-Naim opened the meeting with a moment of silence for the schools and families who have lost loved ones or have family in the hospital due to COVID-19 and those struggling to recover.
Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus then recognized President Ben-Naim for serving two years as school board president, saying, “On behalf of LAPS, we express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for your service.”
Ben-Naim will be ending her term as president in January but has one year remaining serving on the board.
Board members and others attending via Zoom then heard from Los Alamos representatives of the New Mexico Legislature. First time Sen. Leo Jaramillo called Los Alamos his “home away from home” and noted that Los Alamos is one of the pillars in education. Jaramillo told the board that his focus areas include keeping families in their homes, resolving the internet connectivity issues in rural areas, the diversification of New Mexico’s economy, and promoting the idea of video taping testimony of young sexual abuse victims so that they only have to tell their story once.
Sen. Robert “Bobby” Gonzales, as chairman of the Finance Committee, told the board that his main focus is state finances and setting the framework for the budget for 2021.
“Education is the number one priority in the state,” Gonzales said.
Rep. Christine Chandler said that she is working on several initiatives that affect northern New Mexico and refiling bills that support rural communities in regards to clean water, electricity, trapping on public lands and broadband.
“We are developing techniques to interact with the public during the legislative session,” Chandler said, indicating that the upcoming session may be virtual to adhere to COVID safe practices. “We really appreciate the role of the public. “
The board then approved the 2021 Legislative postcard outlining the six priorities of the school board for the upcoming session.
These include:
- Competitive salaries;
- Bulk purchase PPE (personal protective equipment);
- Local decision making;
- Culturally and linguistically responsive learning;
- K-5 Plus flexibility; and
- Capital outlay.
The School Board recommendations ask legislators to implement a 4-year plan to increase funding through the State Equalization Guarantee to provide raises for all school employees so that New Mexico becomes nationally competitive when compared to neighboring states as well as support school boards in making local decisions regarding the reopening of schools and safety for school boards, students, teachers, parents and families.
In addition, the board recommends increasing funding for professional development and expanding inclusive learning environments that incorporate culturally and linguistically responsive and relevant curricula and practices. The postcards will be mailed to legislators and the Governor in early January.
Principal Craig Washnok and Debra Snow, administrative assistant, presented the results of the New Mexico Public Education Department’s virtual site visit of Chamisa Elementary’s hybrid implementation. The report card from PED covered 28 points, including safe practices such as social distancing, cleaning routines, PPE, and air filtration systems. The report also included reflections on instructional practices and the hybrid model, as well as the social emotional learning resources available.
“Chamisa passed with flying colors,” Washnok said. “It involved a lot of preparation.”
President Ben-Naim praised the school, adding that “we are really proud of the way Chamisa was a representative for the district.”
Board members as well as Zoom attendees were introduced to Jamboard as members of the Superintendent’s Cabinet updated the board on strategic plan priorities and the initiatives being implemented during the 2020-2021 school year.
The eight focus areas are:
- Student Well-Being
- Student Learning
- Teacher and Staff Excellence and Well-Being
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Quality Facilities
- Innovative Leadership
- Communications and Collaboration
- Integrated Technology
Click here to view the LAPS Strategic Plan.
Participants were able to post notes under each focus area on the Jamboard following the presentation. District personnel will utilize the feedback in making revisions and updating the plan. Teachers use Jamboard with their students so School Board members were excited to use this same resource.
The first regular School Board meeting of 2021 is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Board officer elections will be on the agenda. The next School Board work session is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021.
