Board Retreat on 12/12 from 5:30-8:00 PM in
the GMCS Board Room.
Sunday, December 21 at 4 PM, John Samford,
Assist,. Supt. For Business Services, and GMCS Attorney George Kozeleski
will be on KGLP.
Ethel Manuelito, Assist. To the Supt.,
reported that there is significant opposition to the proposed liquor
license for the Mustang convenience store at meeting at Tohlakai:
The Navajo Nation President and Gallup Mayor
have written letters in opposition
Schools and students have written letters to
Santa Fe
Monday, January 5 at 6 PM District 14 at the
Tohatchi Chapter and issue a joint resolution from 5 chapters inopposition
Supt. White and Assist. Supt. Manuelito will
draft a similar resolution for the GMCS Board
Board member Bill Bright added that the
corporation has the liquor license issue on its agenda.
Under NCLB, Theresa Mariano, Assist. Supt. For
Human Resources, said that districts must report to the public teachers
that are unqualified, have no teaching experience, or are teaching out
of their field.
GHS Coach Martinez presented the GHS Cross
Country Team to the Board from whom each received a certificate. Boys
and girls were district and state champions. Included were 3
All-Americans:
Sheyenne Lewis
Terra Brown
Philbert Brown
Assist. Supt. For Curriculum and Instruction
Chantal Irvin reported on the school calendar for 2004-05. The board
unanimously approved this.
School will start on August 30.
Delayed Mondays for Professional Development
on the second Monday of each month
Parent/Teacher Conferences to be on different
days for different levels from 1-8i PM.
Holidays: Traditional
175 students days
183 teacher days
Feb. 21: President’s Day is professional
development day
January 14: Staff development and
International Reading Conference at UNM.
Chantal Irvin reports that all graduation
dates have been set with the exception of Gallup High. Graduation at GHS
depends on the availability of Red Rock State Park.
Bill Bright moved to approve the position of
Interim Director of Safety and Teacherages. The interim director would
train staff in claims and safety concerns, represent the district at
monthly board meetings ion Albuquerque to review claims, work
proactively as coordinator between the fire marshal and county schools,
and update the teacherage booklet. After discussion regarding the need
on justification on this position and the availability of funds, the
board unanimously approved the motion. Board President Thompson insisted
that the individual filling the position have a schedule, have a
timeline for completion of duties, and report on the status of the
district to the board.
Dr. Monaghan informed the board that according
to the Criterion Referenced Test (Language Arts and Math) given in grades
4 and 8, 65%-75% of students are not meeting standards. The board
approved the adoption of Lightspan “Edutest” Assesment. This assessment
will be used this year in corrective action schools and in all schools
next year. The district will look at Title VIII funds for this.
Student Transfer Policy: The board unanimously
tabled decision on intra-school transfers until the next meeting in
order to settle the language. The new policy would prohibit students
from advancing to the next grade level during the school year due to
problems this causes for testing.
GMCS Resolution regarding board member
participation in the procurment of services was tabled for further
study. This would allow for further \outside businesses to be contacted
by the district even though the business has an employee that happens to
be related to a board member.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02
PM
Public Forum
a
Cosy Balok and community parents, with support
form Sen. Lidio Rainaldi, presented concerns about the lack of athletic
facilities (i.e. soccer and football fields) in the district,
particularly at Gallup High School.
Skeeter Caretto addressed the board about the
truancy policy. Students from Gallup Junior High that were ditching home
burglarized the Caretto recently.
“Listening is the shortest
distance between two people.”
“Recognize achievement
every day. Reward responsibility every hour.”
“A man is known by the
company he keeps, and also by the company from which he is kept out.”
Grover Cleveland
“Stand with anybody that
stands rights; stand with him while he is right and part with him when he
goes wrong.”
Abraham Lincoln
Eyes on the Board1 December 2003Central Office
All
members present.
Students on the
Student Task Force were introduced to the Board. The 3 students are from
Ramah High, Tohatchi High, and Crownpoint High.
Dr. Elvira Largie was
introduced as the interim NEC Director.
Mr. Jeff Frye,
Technical Marketer from Loss Prevention Management, Inc. of Albuquerque,
gave a presentation on security cameras. The Board, administration, and
audience viewed, in real-time, Tohatchi High School. The technology is
digital, no video tapes are needed.
Chantal Irvin gave a
brief summary of National Board Certification. Certification cost is
$2300; the District pays $200 for 5 candidates per year. Ms. Irvin also
introduced Verna Escudero as the district’s latest Board Certified
Educator.
NAFIS Resolution
draft was read and passed. The district will pay NAFIS dues with
stipulations detailed in the November 17 board meeting. Additionally,
the resolution will be sent with the requisition of dues and also to
other members of the coalition.
The GMCS Board
unanimously passed the Resolution and Proclamation of Public School
Capital Improvements Mill Levy Election after a presentation by Mr.
Samford. It was emphasized that these are not additional taxes, but a
continuation of existing monies currently received. The state also
matches funds dollar for dollar. Election Day will be Tuesday, February 3,
20004.
Eyes on the Board17 November 2003Central Office (Very Short
Meeting)
Adrienne
Sloan – Absent
Thoreau High School
will receive $75,000. Thoreau HS was one of eighteen schools to apply
for a Title 1 grant. Of this, $52,000 is already earmarked for books.
Congratulations.
GMCS Board
unanimously passed a resolution initiated by MCFUSE stating the
displeasure at the FCC decision to allow the “F” word on television.
MCFUSE will ensure the delivery of the resolution to local, state, and
federal representatives.
GMCS passed a
resolution to pay dues to NAFIS out of Title 8 money. Administration
will petition NAFIS to lower dues, establish a legal defense fund, and
monitor NAFIS progress/achievement to determine practicality of future
dues payment.
GMCS Vocal Music
Program will look at state standards regarding music and align them for
Jr. High and Middle Schools.
Eyes on the Board3 November 2003Central OfficeAll Board Members Present
WNM Mental Health Partnership report postponed
due to illness of presenter.
Mavis Price and Bill Bright questioned the
following budget adjustment requests:
$2000 to general supplies for Thoreau High
for program activities. Ms. Price asked “What are the activities?”
Title 1 Admin. Additional funding for office
furniture. One secretary was added.
$50,000 to contract services for stipend
payments to parents who participate in trainings and scheduled home
visits. Ms. Price asked for a list of participating parents.
Title 1 asked for $500 for other textbooks.
Ms. Price wanted to know “What textbooks?”
$1038; additional amount needed to hire
Technology Support Specialist. The district is hiring 3 to make a total
of 5.
Ms. Price suggested that past graduates of
Thoreau High donate caps and gowns. JOM budgets $250 for needy
students.
Ms. Price reiterated that travel dates be
submitted one month beforehand.
Mr. Samford reported that all bids for
teacherage construction of October 20, 2003 were rejected. The lowest
bid was still over the GMCS budget.
Under NCLB the military enjoys the same access
to student records as colleges and universities unless opted out by
parents.
Dr. Tempest states that there are excessive
demands on employees under Extensive Leave of Absence.
Graduation dates discussed. Ms. Price wants to
attend both graduations in her district, Ramah and Thoreau.
Mr. Stanley, Tohatchi Mid Principal, and Ms.
White are to meet with Gov. Richardson in Albuquerque. Tohatchi Mid was
one of the New Mexico schools selected to receive laptop computers for
students and teachers.
Board Scholars at Gallup High, 6 PM on
November 24.
GMCS Board to hold a retreat on November 18 at
5:30 PM at Central Office. There will be an additional retreat on the
Facilities Master Plan on December 16 at 5:30 PM at Central Office.
68 of 89 superintendents attended the State
Supt. Retreat in Albuquerque.
There was a consensus that education decisions
are made without input from districts and superintendents.
Superintendents to “tag team” that
legislature. Two superintendents to be present at all times to lobby.
Dr. Monaghan reported on the National Science
Foundation Math and Science Partnership Program, specifically building
units of prior knowledge of students.
GMCS Board was invited by the UNM Board to
attend a planning meeting of common issues on November 20 at 6 PM.
International Education Week: November 17-21.
Dr. Monaghan reported on the Universal Design
of Assessments, Univ. of Minn. Report by Christopher Johnstone. The
report deals with designing assessments to promote student achievement.
Mr. Bright and Joan to update the Board Policy
Manual.
Mr. Bright suggested that Board packets be
received before meeting so that members have more opportunity to make
calls, research, etc.
SFC Woody and 2 Gallup High students reported
on their trip to College Station, TX to visit Texas A&M. The two
cadets selected for the Junior Cadet Achievement Program were among 200
selected from 1500 candidates.
Mr. John Forkenbrock, Executive Director of
NAFSIS, explained the dues formula and benefits of NAFIS membership.
GMCS dues are in excess of $9000 per year.
Mr. Forkenbrock mentioned that NAFIS is
bipartisan and able to get into offices that AFT and NEA can’t. He added
that AFT and NEA are envious of this. (Note: While federally impacted
schools continue to pay excessive dues to NAFIS to lobby to gain impact
aid monies, MCFUSE members pay full due of $40 per month, have the CB
Law, and are currently working to strengthen the local and assist GMCS
with challenges confronting it. Which is the better deal? Who should be
envious of whom?)
A Steering Committee that includes former
Governor Caruthers and Lt. Governor Diane Denish will restructure SDE to
ensure permanent fund money gets to classrooms.
SDE will now be called the Public Education
Department (PED).
On October 20 Ms. Price was presented the True
Hero: Native American Substance Abuse and Tobacco Prevention Award.
Conroy Chino presented the awards. (Congratulations.)
Ms. Price was nominated by Governor Richardson
and confirmed as Vice President of the New Mexico Children’s Trust Fund
from 2003-2007 (IT CHICK)
Eyes on the Board20 October 2003Central Office
Absent:
Mavis Price (In Albuquerque to accept an award. Congratulations.)
Board unanimously
approved Ms. White’s motion to allow MCFUSE access to GMCS Internal
Distribution Boxes (mailboxes) as a temporary waiver to Board
policy. Trial period ends on 31 January 2004 with the following
stipulations:
·Access to be at individual sites only not through
Central Office boxes.
·An employee of that worksite will put information in
the boxes.
·No information will be distributed unless initialed
by Supt. White.
·Fair share dues component of collective bargaining
law will be distributed with other information during this trial period.
Annie Tsosie reported
on a trip to Washington D.C.
Supt. White reported
on the National Summit of High School Reform. Also attending from New
Mexico were AFL-CIO President and NMFEE President Christine Trujillo,
Virginia Trujillo, Steve Sanchez, as well as the Superintendents of the
Rio Rancho and Hobbs schools.
·Ms. White and Ms. V. Trujillo met with Senators
Bingaman and Domenici and Rep. Wilson, attended a Business Roundtable, and
visited the US Dept. of Education.
·Supt. White was questioned on teacher retention, EA’s
under NCLB, and the NCLB in practice.
In accordance with HB
212, NMSBA members need 5 hours by 12/1. Mark Mitchell and SDE must
approve credits.
GMCS and the city of
Gallup are currently talking about an Aquatic Center. The city wants to
build it and GMCS wants it close to schools to be accessible to
students. Possible locations include the GMCS school bus parking lot.
Council of
Governments is looking for grants to get an office. A possible location
would be Chee Dodge Elementary. Patti Lundstrom is willing to work with
GMCS on sewage at Chee Dodge.
Supt. White briefed the
GMCS Board on a proposal to develop a regional education center t Smith
Lake Elementary. The proposal must be submitted to and approved by Dr.
Alan Morgan, Interim Secretary of Education.
·Other revenue sources for this include UNM-Gallup
Center for Career and Technical Education, Rural Utilities Service Program,
CYFD Project Success, Diné II, and UNM-Gallup Diabetes Resource Center.
·Benefits include:
·Access for EA’s to obtain required hours for
licensure to comply with NCLB
·Student access to career and technical training
through concurrent enrollment
·Student access to a Bachelor’s Degree program without
excessive travel
·Access for local residents to advanced training in
early childhood development
·Distance learning options to enhance educational
opportunities for residents of the area
·Students attending the center will qualify for
childcare and be exposed to quality child development practices.
Candyce Head-Dylla
and Louise Benally were selected as presenters at the NABE conference in
Albuquerque. Congratulations.
Sunny Dooley and
Tianna gave a parents perspective on pre-schools and advocated for
pre-schools at every school. She mentioned that pre-schools get parents
involved in early childhood education. She suggested that requirements
be translated in to Navajo and Spanish and that more protein and complex
carbohydrates be incorporated into breakfast.
Ms. Irvin discussed
NCLB. C&I meetings have been restructured to include NCLB. Mr.
Linford added that every grant written should be directed towards NCLB.
Personnel Handbooks
have been modified to comply with NCLB and HB 212.
Bill Bright mentioned
the need to inform parents of military options or the Board will be
required to do so.
Board Resolutions
·10/20-10/24 National School Lunch week and National
School Bus Week
Assistant
Superintendents gave updates on “Range” assignments
·John Samford: Purple Range
·Leonard Haskie: Pink Range
·Chantel Irvin: White Shell Range
·Theresa Mariano: Obsidian Range
·Ed Monaghan: Turquoise Range
·Ethel Manuelito: Gold Range
·District schools fall into each range.
·Assignments serve to improve communications in the
district and are discussed every 2nd and 4th Monday.
GMCS visitor’s policy
amended due to SB46.
Chantel Irvin and
Candyce Head-Dylla were invited to the Vocabulary Conference in Dallas,
TX. This is put on by the PREL (Pacific Resources for Learning).
Reading First Start
Grant Process discussed. RFG meeting attended by Chantel Irvin, Candyce
Head-Dylla, Larry Linford, and Ray Macias.
Volunteer Policy
discussed due to a concern to have a mechanism in place for background
checks.
Leonard Haskie
reported on Highway Project 491. This highway will be constructed from
Navajo to the Mexican Springs turnoff. The project is in the study phase
currently and is due to begin construction in January 2005.
The GMCS Board
institutes an Open Public Forum. Open Public Forum will be during the
second board meeting of each month and scheduled through Central Office.
No personnel issues or issues under litigation will be heard.
Additionally, each forum will be limited to three speakers.
Eyes on the Board22 September 2003Tohatchi Elementary SchoolAll Members PresentMs. Sloan Tardy
Item added to agenda
Bill Bright moved to have the following items
placed on the consent agenda
GMCS Volunteer Policy Approval
Public School Stadium Notice Approval
Athletic Trip Beyond 200 Miles
Approval of SDE Corrective Action
Recommendation
Approval was unanimous
NAFIS Conference
The Board had discussion about sending Dolly
Begay, Jackson Gibson, and Annie Tsosie to the Fall NAFIS conference in
Washington DC from September 18-24.
Ms. Price objected to sending personnel
without Board approval.
Ms. White explained that the travel requests
were late due to discussion of NAFIS dues at the last Board meeting.
Ms. White added that as per GMCS policy, the Superintendent could
approve such requests. Begay, Gibson, and Tsosie will make reports,
both oral and written, to the board at the next meeting in October.
Ms. Price would like the Board in the future
to receive all travel requests before departures.
Seventh Grade Computer Program
The Governor’s 7th Grade Computer
Program will provide 5 New Mexico schools with laptop computers for
every 7th grader and every 7th grade teacher.
Tohatchi Mid School has been selected as one
of the 5 schools to receive computers. (Congratulations TMS!)
Computer will follow the student throughout
the schools but will remain the property of the district.
Legislative Education Meeting
The Legislative Education meeting was held in
Rio Rancho.
Discussion included:
Closing the warehouse and giving 100% of the
money for books to schools. Schools would then have to deal with
textbook publishers.
Library and cafeteria size being tied to 200
students and making 2 lunch periods mandatory.
APS Superintendent wants to look at funding
sources to assist Educational Assistants with college courses. EA’s
are low-paid employees and many are single parents. The item will be
placed on the legislative agenda.
Eyes on the Board