By Lynn Janes

The Cobre Consolidated School Board held a regular meeting on November 18, 2024, at Central Elementary School in Santa Clara. Board members in attendance included Gabriella Begay, Gilbert Guadiana, David Terrazas (online), Angelina Hardin, and Emmarie Heredia. Superintendent Michael Koury also attended.

Dottie Pfeifer with Kiwanis attended to present the student of the month awards.

Nicholas Zamora, Cobre High School senior, has a 3.607 GPA and always has been consistent in his schoolwork. He participates in the wrestling team and golf team. Zamora plans to attend New Mexico State University and will be considering the ROTC program. He plans to major in business.

Caedyn Dominguez, a student from Snell Middle School, stays engaged on task and motivated to learn. He has always been willing to give his time and energy to assist in any way possible. He is also an excellent role model.

Crystal Gutierrez's fourth grade class all had composed a poem inspired by the poet Carl Sandberg and specifically the one named "Fog." They used the same format and process but also based it on nature. The class also listed all of the states and capitals in a song.

The board approved the agenda

Public input.

Tanya Ortiz has three students in the Cobre consolidated school district. She had come to address the board in reference to the girls' volleyball team that had their title stripped from them due to someone not doing their job. She stressed she was toning down her comments. Ortiz said recently Koury had attended a Bayard city council meeting and when he had been asked what happened with the volleyball team, he commented in a public meeting being recorded that it had just been a lot of drama. He wished more concerns came from the parents about academics. Ortiz asked Koury if he knew the GPA of the volleyball team and said they have a 3.69 combined. "Pretty sure academics are huge for that volleyball team. When are you going to hold your staff to a high accountability?"

Ortiz continued with the non-use of the concession stand that had been for about three years. An electrical problem has been the excuse. The yearbooks had not been sent out until June or July when the kids are already out of school. "When is Cobre going to do better for our kids? When are you going to hold your staff accountable to high standards like you want the students to do?" The volleyball players had represented the district well. She pointed out that not one of the board had attend the game the past weekend, yet the team had still brought home a red trophy. "My concern is for you all to do better for our students because our students are doing really great."

Administration – principal – directors reports

Margaret Begay, principal Snell Middle School, had provided the board with all the testing stats. She wanted to spotlight some of it but said it would take three to five years to make any significant changes. She wanted to focus on the positive with the students.

She had started behavior awards. They earn money which they can spend  in a little store Begay has that she provides the items out of her pocket. She has continued to collaborate with the local law enforcement, DEA and the Grant County Health Council.

The school had a Halloween dance, Trunk or Treat and Veterans Day program. She said she is proud of the collaboration with the Silver City Museum to do an education program. It will be narrative and in writing that will be about community members and the history of the area. The students can use teachers, their elders, or anyone they admire and look up to. The students will have to record and give a report on the person.

Recently 50  8th graders had gone to see La Capilla and learned the history. Many of the students had not even been to the museum.

Soon they will be doing the middle of the semester testing and will be focused on test preparation. Margaret Begay wants to do more activities around the 8th grade to have them more involved. Academic progress has always been the conversation, but they also need to look at behaviors, teaching them appropriate behavior and what will be expected. The students need structure and to learn to be respectful of teachers and staff.

Guadiana said he has been impressed by what she had been able to accomplish so far. They have been heading in the right direction. He appreciated her accomplishments and asked if any progress had been made on acquiring another interventionist. Koury said he has been working on it but currently they only have a budget for one which she already has.

Hardin asked her about her principal's store she had spoken to and if maybe she could do a fundraiser to pay the cost. Margaret Begay said they have not been allowed to have a concession stand, and that had been the biggest fundraiser. As the principal she has an administrative account, but it had to be for the teachers. They have to be very creative and careful not to violate anything in terms of dietary. The school had done some fundraisers, and she added that little things can go a long way. Guadiana asked why they could not have a concession stand. Margaret Begay said they can but only certain hours, early morning and afternoons. Heredia asked if they could donate to her store, and she said the kids love the Nutella with pretzels.

Roxanne Ogas, principal Central Elementary, provided some documents to the board and they had been headed "Journey to Excellence". She has been focused on raising academic performance and improving behavior. The attendance rates had increased, and they have had success in the inclusion of the SPED students. She continued with all of the testing data highlights. They have also increased the communication with the parents and using the discipline matrix schoolwide. This year they only have had four referrals from August to November and the parents have been very supportive which had helped. Positive reinforcement programs had increased student engagement and motivation. It had reduced classroom disruptions and created a greater focus on learning.

Some of the data highlights had shown a 10 to 12 percent increase. The inclusion of SPED at all grade levels had gone well and the teachers have been collaborating together. All accommodations and modifications have been made for the SPED students.

Attendance has been 91 percent, and the teachers have made individual plans for each student

Her report included all the great things happening in the school and hands on activities. One of the teachers had applied for three $500 grants from Freeport McMoRan and received them for a garden. "It is a dynamic evolving school." Ogas continued that it would be much like a building under construction. They have been diligently working to build a solid foundation reinforced with a strong support structure. The groundwork would be critical as they laid the framework for future success.

This will help the students move beyond simply memorizing answers to a test. It will focus on ensuring they understand how to defend and articulate responses. By encouraging deeper thinking, they will be equipping the students with skills to connect their learning across different subjects and explain the reasoning with confidence. Ogas said she had the best parents and staff and has been proud to represent the school.

Erica Luckhurst, special education coordinator, said they have been waiting on the latest assessment that will be in after Thanksgiving. The goal had been to have a 5 percent growth in the assessment. She and two other teachers had attended a training, and it had been about organizing with binders and executive functioning skills such as planning, attention, remembering instructions and juggling multiple tasks. The teachers will be teaching the students the same skills. The first quarter of last year SPED had been 45 percent compliant with the state and now have increased to 76 percent.

Frank Ryan, director of finance, said he would be reporting to the board at the next meeting. He had not been able to report to the finance committee first and wanted to do that. He told the board he had been short staffed, but they had been plugging away.

Finance committee report

Gabriella Begay said they had met and reviewed budget adjustment requests and also reviewed all of the bills.

Audit committee report

Guadiana made a presentation for a charter he wanted to see adopted by the board. He said many other districts had adopted this in the state and they had made some modifications. He went over how the audit committee functions, and it does not limit expanding on it and the charter would allow for that. As the audit committee now functions, it has not been intended to find fraud but intended to reflect the accuracy of the numbers. The charter has been designed to find issues not found in the annual audit. The committee had met and made all the changes the attorney had recommended with some exceptions. He mentioned some of the changes and most had to do with language. Gabriella Begay wanted to know why they had changed what legal counsel had recommended. Guadiana went over some examples and why. He mentioned the committee wanting to start a fraud hotline but had not formulated a way to look at the calls coming in. The purpose will be to provide some oversight of the district to increase accountability and transparency. This will ensure high quality annual audits, review of financial activities and understand operating checks and balances. It will encourage compliance with all laws, regulations and establish ethical standards. In accomplishing this the committee will be knowledgeable and exercise good judgement. He continued with how the charter would help and said authority for the charter had been in HB227 of the 49th legislature in 2010. Guadiana went over the composition of the committee. The district CFO and superintendent would not be voting members. He continued with the policies, responsibilities and late audit requirements. Guadiana noted that the 2022 audit is 700 days behind and the 2023, 364 days behind, the 2024 should be started. "We need to have a sense of audit readiness and compliance."

Guadiana said the charter would give the district and particularly the board more of an ability to ensure the audit will be done the way it should be and comply with the laws. "We have not complied with the laws for some time."

Gabriella Begay asked how many other districts had adopted this and Guadiana said almost half. Gabriella Begay said the finance committee needed to adopt a charter to make sure They would be doing the statutory requirements. Guadiana highly recommended they do that.

Gabriella Begay said she had real concerns over going against legal counsels' suggestions. She also wanted to hear from the finance director and superintendent their thoughts about not being a voting member.

Guadiana wanted to interject something before hearing from them he wanted to explain why the finance director and superintendent would not be a voting member.

Gabriella Begay said, "I understand but I want their comments."

Guadiana said if they have voting rights they would be voting on their own compliance, and it would be a conflict of interest.

Gabriella Begay pointed out they will be involved in everyday operations. She asked them to comment on not having a voting role.

Koury said he sees both sides and it would not be important to be a voting member. Being part of the committee and providing input would be important. He agreed with Gabriella Begay about legal counsel and not following their recommendations. Lawyers tend to be on the conservative side to keep the district out of trouble. Taking legal advice from an auditor made him nervous. "It is not her role." He encouraged the board to read the original email from the attorney to the audit committee. "We pay lawyers a lot of money to keep us out of trouble, and I don't think their advice should be ignored."

Ryan agreed on the legal advice. He pointed out the district has already been in a world of hurt over lawsuits. "I would like to remain legal."

Gabriella Begay asked Heredia, also on the audit committee, what she thought. She agreed with Guadiana's point, but they have had problems with lawsuits. She would not be sure though why to go against the attorney's suggestions. "I feel the attorney knows what is best. It is what they do and have the expertise to keep us out of trouble." Gabriella Begay asked Terrazas and Hardin if they had an opinion and they did not.

Guadiana had a rebuttal to something said. The attorney didn't prohibit adopting a charter. She changed the charter presented to them so it would comply, and he went over each area and how it would help them come into compliance with the audits that currently have been three years behind.

Action items

The board approved the minutes from October 28, 2024, board meeting.

The board approved, Guadiana abstained, RFP (request for proposal) for server and storage services. They had received five proposals. The evaluation committee went over them and scored each one. Most met the scope of work, and the lowest bidder had been RA Associates. The three that scored the highest had a low cost of $24, 560 and high cost of $191,000. The others ranged from $80,000 to $120,000.

Katelyn Church, coordinator of technology, said she had trepidation over this bid, but it had been the lowest and scored well. Church said she had a backup plan if it didn't work out.

The board approved the initial budget for Medicaid. Gabriella Begay said this had come through the finance committee. Ryan explained the process of reimbursement from Medicaid. It would be $473,000 and would allow for them to hire another nurse and three health care assistants, as well as repair and maintenance of any equipment associated with them. It would also allow them to purchase software to help the nurses with tracking. The funds can be used for anything health related.

The board approved the initial budget for structured literacy and early literacy. They had received $100,000, and it would allow for a partial salary of an interventionist and two part-time.

The board approved the initial budget for private direct grants. They currently have $55,000 through Carl Perkins and the Next Gen grants. The high school had written a grant for a school spirit store. They would run the store in conjunction with the innovation program. The funds will cover the equipment needed and start-up costs. The students will be purchasing a T-shirt press and embroidery machine. They also received permission from Freeport McMoRan to divert previously granted funds for another purpose. Now they have to receive permission from the public education department.

The board approved the bills. Finance had looked at them in great detail.

The board agreed to table the audit committee charter after some discussion. Guadiana wanted to address the comment made that the auditor not being qualified to give legal advice. She had never pretended to issue a legal opinion. Guadiana said all audits contain a level of accuracy that demonstrates a capacity and skill to conduct an audit and ensure financial operations in school districts. The other two committee members support this charter. The attorney had not made any statement against the charter. Guadiana continued that the audit committee predominantly wants the ability to look at compliance with state laws and nothing else. "I am astounded that this is something this board would shy away from." They agreed to table it and look more into it. Gabriella Begay wanted to see about adopting one for the finance committee. They also wanted time to talk to other districts that had adopted this.

Guadiana asked that the board purchase medals and other appropriate comemerative items for the Cobre varsity volleyball team recognizing the district AAA accomplishments. They had a phenomenal year and unfortunately, they did not get designated district champions. The board needed to recognize the students and not dismiss what happened. Guadiana said, "We will take accountability and provide the best we can to make up for it."

Koury said he felt misrepresented earlier in the meeting. "I am very proud of the young ladies, and they did an amazing job and season. I don't want to take that away." Currently Cobre district champions have been seated as number three in the state. They played in the finals and brought home a trophy. "I 100 percent agree to celebrate the team." The board approved the purchases.

New business

The district had sent out surveys to evaluate the superintendent, board, departments and staff. Gabriella Begay went over each question and responses.

The first set of questions she went over had been for the board.

Board effectiveness and providing oversight and holding the superintendent accountable. The survey had 12 unsatisfactory, 6 needs improvement, 14 satisfactory, 9 excellent and 1 no answer.

Board involved in strategic plan and goal setting. The survey had 13 unsatisfactory, 6 needs improvement, 13 satisfactory, 7 excellent and 3 no answer

Communicates effectively with the public, students and staff. The survey had 18 unsatisfactory, 10 needs improvement, 11 satisfactory, 1 excellent and 2 no answer.

Board is transparent in decision making process and communication with stakeholders. The survey had 18 unsatisfactory, 8 needs improvement, 11 satisfactory, 3 excellent and 2 no answer.

Board collaborates well on decision making and policy development. The survey had 19 unsatisfactory, 12 needs improvement, 8 satisfactory, 1 excellent and 2 no answer.

Board actually participates in meetings and district activities. The survey had 15 unsatisfactory, 14 needs improvement, 7 satisfactory, 5 excellent and 1 no answer.

Board demonstrates professionalism and adheres to ethical standards. The survey had 15 unsatisfactory, 16 needs improvement, 6 satisfactory, 3 excellent and 2 no answer.

The surveys had a number of comments.

It is a conflict of interest to have Silver Consolidated School educators on the board.

Lots of changes need to be made.

Board is still bickering.

They do not have an actual understanding of what actually happens in schools.

School board needs to quit running the school and let the educators do it.

Board shows a strong sense of professionalism, teamwork and respect however Guadiana's behavior does not align with these values. His interactions create distrust because he tends to approach discussions in a way that feels combative and accusatory rather than constructive. This disrupts the boards efforts to work together. It makes it difficult and uncomfortable.

They wanted to see more administrators at home events to help out.

Only one does not adhere to professionalism and ethical standards.

How many lawsuits has Guadiana brought to Cobre? He has also brought a lot of negativity to the district. "Time for you to go." They had watched his disrespect for mostly women at the board meetings.

Thanked Gabriella Begay for her leadership

Happy to have two educators on the board so they know what educators go through every day.

After watching many board meetings Guadiana is argumentative. When interacting with the board and Koury he only cares about his opinion. He has said he is smarter and more knowledgeable than the other members. Rude to members. Explains the problems of the district with five lawsuits due to unprofessionalism and unethical comments.

Guadiana disregards policy by mentioning in open session current audit that has not been released and previous litigation that is private. If the district continues with Guadiana, they better be ready to lose a lot more money due to his actions.

Board members need to better understand the role of the board and adhere to it.

Most of the board works together for the best interest of the district except Guadiana. He seems to be on a mission to destroy individuals professionally and personally both current and past employees. Many have left the district because of his harassment. He has personal vendettas against employees, and it has cost the district hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and payouts with no end in sight. The money would be better used in the classroom.

Guadiana is rude to other board members in public meetings. He ridicules and attacks whoever is presenting to the board.

Have watched the board meetings online and the sound quality is sometimes not the best but might be good we are not hearing the comments, remarks and attacks.

Other board members need to put a stop to his bullying tactics.

Guadiana is narcissistic and rude while other board members have strived to improve the district.

I have been appalled by his behavior during public meetings. It leads me to believe he acts much worse when not in public.

Guadiana creates a hostile environment that would lead to future litigation.

Gabriella Begay pointed out they had a lot of unsatisfactory for all of the questions and they had a lot of room for improvement. Hardin recommended some work sessions to see where they could improve. They all agreed it would be a good idea.

Guadiana wanted to comment in response to the comments made. "I can understand particularly people who are observing through the outside." Contention has existed and is an accurate reflection. "I am largely responsible, but I have been on boards that where always in overwriting agreement on everything regardless of what is done. When I joined this school board eight years ago because both of my kids went here, and I could see things going on were very wrong. My intent was to address things well beneath the surface and not available to many people." He wanted to focus on students and work in a place of open discussions. "I challenge convention. I appreciate the comments and will take them into the context of recognizing how it is being observed and legitimately so."

Gabriella Begay said it has been a good reminder to conduct ourselves in a professional and ethical manner. "We were elected by our constituents, and it is important to maintain high standards and respect each other and staff." She thought Hardin has a good idea and it would allow them to get to know each other better and build comradery. Terrazas commented the work sessions would be a good idea and maybe a retreat.

[Editor's Note: The only current member of the board who was elected is Guadiana. The others presented letters of interest and were chosen to fill vacant seats.]

The next surveys had been for the departments.

Human resources: The survey had 9 unsatisfactory, 6 needs improvement, 14 satisfactory, 9 excellent and 4 no answer.

Academics: The survey had 5 unsatisfactory, 9 needs improvement, 16 satisfactory, 7 excellent and 5 no answer.

Financial; The survey had 9 unsatisfactory, 15 needs improvement, 9 satisfactory, 4 excellent and 5 no answer.

Special Education: The survey had 12 unsatisfactory, 11 needs improvement, 8 satisfactory, 6 excellent and 5 no answer.

Family Engagement: The survey had 14 unsatisfactory, 9 needs improvement, 6 satisfactory, 8 excellent and 5 no answer.

Technology: The survey had 6 unsatisfactory, 5 needs improvement, 12 satisfactory, 14 excellent and 5 no answer.

Operations and transportation; The survey had 4 unsatisfactory, 3 needs improvement, 19 satisfactory, 9 excellent and 7 no answer.

The superintendent will be discussed in executive session.

Board member reports.

Hardin had attended the Veterans ceremony at San Lorenzo and said it had been awesome. The kids had done a really great job. She thanked them all for their hard work.

Heredia congratulated the volleyball team on an amazing season and bringing home the state runner up trophy. She had attended a few of the games and they had done well. She thanked everyone that donated for the Thanksgiving drive at all the schools.

Gabriella Begay had missed the last board meeting to be a judge for the homecoming parade and it had been a fun event. She congratulated the volleyball team. She wished the teachers and staff a happy Thanksgiving. Great things have been happening with the Ron Clark roll-out and she thanked Ogas for hosting the board meeting.

Guadiana congratulated the volleyball team and said he had watched most of their games. They had done amazing work and had a good potential to win the state championship. "Second place is huge." It had been an accomplishment that had not happened in the district for years. He wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

Terrazas said he had been honored at the Hurley Elementary School for Veterans Day. He congratulated the cross-country runners that had made it to the state championships. Terrazas had watched the volleyball team online and said they did a great job.

Superintendent's report.

Koury thanked Freeport McMoRan (FMI) for their continual support they give the schools. Some of the staff had gone above and beyond to write grant proposals. They had been accepted by FMI. Koury mentioned one for drone stem mini-med school experience that had been done by Dr. Rosser to see a vision of how this could help students in the medical field. Gabriella Begay wanted to recognize those teachers at a board meeting. Koury said they would be sending them thank you cards and would invite them to a board meeting.

Koury provided the board with an update on the portable buildings being renovated into apartments. Because of the current state of the audits, they could not receive any funding, but the city of Bayard will act as the fiscal agent. Priscilla Lucero, Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments, had stepped in to help with the issue. Koury thanked her and Bayard for their help to make the project move forward.

The board went into executive session to discuss the superintendent's survey from the staff and personnel matters.

The board came back into open session and said no actions had taken place.

Meeting adjourned.