School Board Meets to Prepare for Beginning of Fall Semester

The Ruidoso Board of Education held their regular board meeting at the Administration office, 200 Horton Circle, Tuesday.

The meeting was called to order by Superintendent George Bickert. In attendance were: Marc Beatty, Vice President, Luther Light, President, and Gillian Baudo, Secretary. Board members Shane Holder and Gina Klinekole, were not present.

An update on the construction for the new school on White Mountain Drive was presented by Clay Simmons, Owners Representative. Simmons advised that gym area was to be completed by June 13, the administration area by June 20, pre- K and Kindergarten are by June 14, fire alarm system by June 12 and the sidewalks to be finished by mid-August.  The major completion of the project is scheduled for July 24.

“We are moving along and any issues are being corrected. We are planning to have the major portion of the project completed by the end of July. It is a push,” Simmons said. 

In addition, the new energy efficient lighting for the school was discussed and is near completion. Vice President Beatty stressed his concerns to Simmons on how the outside of the building in some areas are different colors.

“We want the building to look good. Is this something that can be fixed?” Beatty said.

Simmons stated that the issue would be looked into and corrected, according to the original plans, to make the new school look good.

The board addressed concerns about the cross-over from Nob Hill to White Mountain and the routes that would be used for student drop-offs. Vehicle traffic, that is soon to increase at the school, is a concern.

“I would like to see more students walking or riding their bikes, getting exercise,” Luther Light said.

However, due to the combining of schools and the increase in the student population, it was suggested that foot travel or students on bicycles is ill-advised.

“What about the parent that is in a hurry because they are late to work? What if a child is close and the driver of a vehicle is not paying attention? This is a safety issue for students and I have serious concerns about this. I do not believe it is a good idea due to the increase of the student population we will have in the area this fall semester,” Bickert said.

The board members agreed and was it left open for further discussion at a later date.

In other business the board addressed the groups wellness plan concerning physical fitness and the recent prohibition of punishment during recess. It was clarified by Superintendent Bickert that a child is not required to engage in physical activities during recess. It is not considered to be a part of the physical education program.

Therefore, a child cannot be punished if they choose not to engage in physical exercise during the recess. “If a child wants to stand around and talk during recess, they cannot be punished for this. Recess is not considered part of the physical education department. They may choose not to engage in physical exercise during recess without punishment,” Bickert said.

The board then discussed the School Law Conference and Student Scholarship Awards in Albuquerque on June 8-9. Approximately 600 school board members and education leaders from across the state of New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA) attended the Law Conference focusing on legal issues facing the state of New Mexico. Topics addressed were school safety, new legislation initiatives, student testing, employee evaluations and special education.

Student Scholarships to 24 outstanding students of New Mexico were announced at the conference. Students were award $1000. Criteria for nominations by the board were based on leadership skills, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Two students from Lincoln County, Region VII, were award scholarships. Breck A. Gavin from Ruidoso, and Joyce A. Cooper from Hondo.

The board then discussed that the schools are in need of three teachers within the Math department. The issue is being addressed to resolve this matter and fill the gap. K-12 Science courses were discussed and concerns about testing were addressed. Committee members made their recommendations that this should be further addressed with each school’s principal.

The remainder of the meeting was open to voting for approval on the budget for 2018-2019 school year, approval of to and from transportation contracts, transportation by bus contracts, food services management, related services contracts, lease renewal, and Indian Education grant.