By Hallie Richwine

The Regular Meeting of the Cobre Consolidated School District Board of Education began on Monday, February 26, 2018, following an executive session which lasted approximately one hour. All board members attended with the exception of Gilbert Guadiana.

No action was taken during the executive session and there was no unfinished business.

First to present to the board were Tony Sosa and Liz Baxter, giving the truancy report. Baxter goes to the elementary schools twice a week to gather information on truancies, tardies, and habitual absences. She implemented an incentive program to encourage students and families to improve attendance. Sosa said Baxter brings a restorative, social work emphasis to the team.

Sosa told the board about the new "Truancy Intervention Court," which started in September. Working with Silver City Municipal Judge Sonya Ruiz, the non-punitive intervention program is designed to address the underlying causes of truancy and connect community members with resources. Students and families are invited to the program via letter, and 33 of the last 58 students participated after invitation. Of the 25 that did not participate, only 4 continue to miss school.

Board President Ralph Sepulveda asked what the difference was between an unexcused and an excused absence. Sosa said the schools are no longer accepting phone calls as a means to excuse students, so any excused absences must have a written note from a parent or physician.

Next, Bayard Police chief Willy Kerin reported on school safety programs. Kerin said the police force had a drill last weekend with the Deming SWAT team, improving their active shooter skills. They will continue their training as well as collaboration with other local law enforcement. Another safety measure suggested by Kerin was the Barracuda Intruder Defense System. These lightweight locking mechanisms can be stored easily in rooms and deployed when needed. Kerin encouraged the board to consider the purchase of such a system and said the police department would help fill out the grant paperwork.

Sepulveda said the Region 8 meeting this March will be on school safety and securityand invited Kerin to attend.

Other administration items to review with the board included two donations, one from the Silver City Lodge 1718 for school supplies at Hurley Elementary and the other from the Grant County Art Guild for the art supplies in the school district art program. The board approved the acceptance of both donations.

The board also accepted the use of facilities by the Evening Light Tabernacle - the group asked to use the Fine Arts Center for their convention in June. They provided the appropriate paperwork and agreed to the custodial fee.

The board also had its second reading for the updated purchasing procedures and adherence of purchasing procedures to the procurement code of conduct.

Under financial items, the board approved the submission of the Rural and Low Income schools budget which would allow the release of federal funds to the district for after school tutoring programs.

Superintendent Robert Mendoza had a brief report, including upcoming fundraisers and the spring sports schedule. He also encouraged board members and the public to see "The Lion King Jr.," which is playing again this weekend.

Associate Superintendent Jose Carillo said, "I've seen it four times and it gets better every time."

During public input Cordova mentioned the upcoming Region 8 meeting. There are two annual meetings, one in the fall and one in the spring. This spring the meeting is in Animas, NM.

Items for the next agenda include the presentation and discussion of the district calendar and the third and final reading of the procurement items.

The next Regular Meeting of the Cobre Consolidated School District happens Monday, March 12, 2018 at 6 p.m. at Snell Middle School.