The Board of Education discussed the important work of our Instructional Coaches through a presentation by our Curriculum and Instruction team, along with educators from both our elementary and secondary schools.
FMS has 16 dedicated instructional coaches who provide invaluable support to our teachers. They help with things like meeting licensure requirements, understanding graduation standards, promoting better education through student-led equity councils, and even offering technology assistance to enhance learning experiences.
Instructional coaches and staff from Bluffview, McKinley, Hermosa, Tibbetts, Mesa View, Farmington High, and Piedra Vista shared how their work makes a real difference in the classroom. The coaches provide ongoing professional support and development to different teaching levels and styles instead of one-time sessions.
New Graduation Requirements for the FMS Class of 2029
The Board of Education approved new Graduation Requirements for the FMS Class of 2029. The changes align with House Bill 171, which was passed in 2024 and requires 24 credits to graduate across all New Mexico school districts. The last time graduation requirements were updated was back in 2007.
Here’s what students will need to graduate:
English – 4 credits
Math – 4 credits
Social Studies – 4 credits
Science – 3 credits
Physical Education – 1 credit
Health – 0.5 credit
Electives – 5.5 credits
District Selected Required Courses:
Financial Literacy – 1 credit
From our “Menu of Options” – 1 credit
The FMS Menu of Options includes courses in Career & Technical Education, Foreign Language, Fine Arts, Communications/Public Speaking, Advanced Placement or Dual Credit course, Work-Based Learning (Internship), and Work Experience (Job).
The updated requirements were developed by our Director of Secondary Education & College and Career Readiness, Milo McMinn. He worked alongside high school principals, counselors, Superintendent Diehl, Board Vice President Krista Lee McWilliams, Board Secretary Andra Stradling, and other education professionals to create a flexible and well-rounded approach that supports all students. Mr. McMinn also researched what other districts are considering to see if similar options could be offered by FMS.
Visit https://bit.ly/New-FMS-Graduation-Requirements to view more details on each subject.
Other Board approvals:
The Board approved issuing up to $2 million in General Obligation School Bonds to improve FMS schools through construction, remodeling, teacher housing, technology purchases, and state-funded projects. These are the last $2 million in bonds from 2021.
Policy I-7450 details that Regular School Board Meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, with adjustments for holidays. Agendas will be available 72 hours in advance at the Superintendent’s Office and online.
Policy I-7450 grants the Superintendent authority to regulate graduation policies, allowing limited student individuality on the top of graduation caps and setting rules for attire under gowns.
The next Board of Education meeting will be on March 11, 2025.