The FMS Board of Education convened on January 9, 2024, marking the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected and re-elected members Lisa Lynn Maxwell, Krista Lee McWilliams, and Stephanie Thompson. Municipal Judge Robert Miller presided over the ceremony.
The Board maintained continuity in its leadership, re-electing Stephanie Thompson as President, Keith Corley as Vice President, Andra Stradling as Secretary, and welcoming Lisa Lynn Maxwell as the new Deputy Secretary. For additional information about the Board, including upcoming meetings and committees, please visit the FMS website.
Armed Campus Safety Monitors
In a significant policy decision, the Board authorized school security personnel to carry firearms on school premises. The move paves the way for the hiring of Armed Campus Safety Monitors (ACSMs), former certified law enforcement officers tasked with providing an additional layer of protection for students and staff during emergencies.
ACSMs, after passing rigorous evaluations and specialized training, will have the authority to enforce misdemeanor crimes, temporarily detain individuals for violent offenses, and conduct searches on people and property on our campuses. This decision followed more than nine months of discussions with partners at the Farmington Police Department and consultations with other school districts, and risk management group Poms and Associates. The presentation, led by Dale Bode, FMS Safety and Security Supervisor, included participation from Farmington PD Deputy Chief Baric Crum.
Audit Presentation Highlights
The Board received a comprehensive presentation on the 2023 Audit by Carr, Riggs & Ingram, outlining key financial highlights and standing. Farmington Municipal Schools reported exceeding liabilities over assets by $91,223,718 at the close of the most recent fiscal year.
Detailed information on fund balances, commitments for subsequent year expenditures, and changes in net debt were presented. Five of eight findings on last year’s audit have been resolved. The audit identified seven findings, including recommendations for regular budget balance reviews, prompt voiding of outstanding checks, vacancy tracking, and monthly collateral report reviews.
The full 2023 Audit report is available for public access on the Financial Transparency page.
Before the regular meeting, attendees were treated to a captivating performance of "Pastorale" by the Farmington High School Orchestra. Eight performers from the orchestra are set to participate in the New Mexico Music Educators Association All-State Concert, Choir, and next month's San Juan Symphony. Amazing!
Board Actions and Future Initiatives
The Board discussed the Superintendent's evaluation, tied to the FMS Strategic Plan, and approved the yearly Resolution on Open Meetings Act (#2024-R18). Both, the evaluation and the resolution have not changed. Additionally, the Naming Facilities Policy (F-1400) was introduced, with a vote expected during the next Board of Education meeting on February 13, 2024.
Meet the Board Members
Krista Lee McWilliams, Board of Education District 4
Krista holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with highest honors from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. She is a co-owner and Vice President of Operations Engineering for Logos Energy, a local, Farmington-based oil and gas company. Krista works with her operations team to drill, complete, and produce high-quality oil and gas wells in the San Juan Basin. Beyond her professional accomplishments, her commitment to STEM education shines through initiatives including founding the summer-based Super Summer STEM Camp at San Juan College's Kid's Kollege. She's a graduate of Leadership New Mexico and Leadership San Juan, actively contributing to various STEM-related initiatives and serving on the board of directors for organizations like the Independent Producers Association of New Mexico and Four Corners Economic Development.
Lisa Lynn Maxwell, Board of Education District 5
After a 13-year volunteer career in K-12 public service in FMS District 5, I was curious to see how the newly chaptered K-12 Plus legislative initiative was going to be implemented in an already full and challenging day in the classroom. On March 24, 2023, I attended my first FMS board meeting and witnessed not only how the new K-12 Plus requirements were going to be addressed, but how other recently passed and chaptered legislation was going to impact the District. As I attended more meetings, I concluded that there were still opportunities to serve not only in District 5, but an even bigger population of students, families, and educators within the FMS District. Although my daughter graduated from the class of 2019, I committed to run for the Board and I know I would enjoy serving a new set of students, families, and educators as part of the Class of 2036.