During today's meeting, the Board of Education recognized various achievements, appointed Barbara Tedrow to the Legislative Sub-Committee, and reviewed several policies. They acknowledged the NMSBA Student Achievement Award, Representative Anthony Allison's contributions, and students who participated in the 2023 Science and Engineering Fair. They also discussed the FMS Budget and celebrated the recognition of Farmington Municipal Schools as a "Best Community for Music Education" for the seventh consecutive year. Additionally, updates were provided on student nutrition, including plans for free school meals, digital menu monitors, cafeteria remodels, and initiatives to reduce food waste.
Details:
Former Board of Education President Kyle Rhodes received the NMSBA Student Achievement Award for his thirteen years of service to Farmington Municipal Schools.
Representative Anthony Allison (Democrat, District 4) was recognized for his advocacy work on the New Mexico Free School Meals Bill, which ensures that all students receive school meals regardless of family income. The Board mentioned that some students currently pay for meals at eight FMS schools. The law also promotes locally grown produce, protein, and culturally relevant food, which Farmington Municipal Schools already implements. Representative Allison will be presented with an apple tree.
2023 New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair
The following students were recognized for their achievements at the 2023 New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair:
- Amber Bizardie (San Juan College High School): 2nd Place in Engineering at the San Juan Region Science Fair.
- Alejandro Magallanes and AB Torres (Mesa View Middle School): Honorable Mention in Behavioral and Social Sciences at the New Mexico State Science Fair and 2nd Place in Behavioral and Social Sciences at the San Juan Region Science Fair.
- Andrea Hammond (Mesa View Middle School): 1st Place in Physics at the San Juan Region Science Fair.
- Ryan Loney (Heights Middle School): 1st Place in Botany and Overall Winner in the Junior Division at the San Juan Region Science Fair.
- Emily Boognl (Hermosa Middle School): Honorable Mention Award for NM Women in Engineering and Qualifier for The Thermo Fisher National Competition at the New Mexico State Science Fair, and 1st Place in Behavioral and Social Sciences at both the New Mexico State Science Fair and the San Juan Region Science Fair.
State Seal of Bilingualism and Biliteracy
Students who received the State Seal of Bilingualism and Biliteracy on their diplomas were also recognized. The list of students from Farmington High School and Piedra Vista High School are:
Farmington High School: Kathia S. Campos Perez, Alexandro Alarcón, Annaliese L. Chavarría, María F. Muñoz, Esmeralda J. García, and Esmeralda Dominguez.
Piedra Vista High School: Izabel R. Archibeque, Karina L. Arreola, Caín A. Carmona, Edmar Erives, Jahira J. Espino, Noemi Márquez, Manuel De Jesus Montelongo, Fernando Ramos Lemus, Jaqueline Rosas, José L. Vasquez García, and Lizeth Solíz Nevarez.
Athletic Trainer Tate Yazzie (FHS) was acknowledged for saving a student's life during a track meet when the student collapsed and stopped breathing. Mr. Yazzie's quick response was instrumental in saving the student.
The Board discussed the FMS Budget and highlighted that it includes a mandated 6 percent raise for employees. They also mentioned that the minimum wage for support staff has been increased to $15 an hour. More information about the budget can be found on the Fiscal Transparency page of the Farmington Municipal Schools website.
The Student Nutrition Department provided details on plans for reimbursing free school meals to all students next academic year. They also discussed implementing digital monitors for menus and nutritional information, remodeling cafeterias, utilizing leftover food for the homeless, and composting food waste. Additionally, a possible culinary certificate program partnership with San Juan College was discussed. More to come on this.
The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for June 13, 2023.