Members of the LAPS School Board from left, Member Sondra Wyman, Vice President Ellen Specter, Board President Antonio Jaurigue, Member Melanie Colgan and Secretary Christine Bernstein. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

The Los Alamos Public School (LAPS) Board met Tuesday, Jan. 10 for the first School Board meeting of 2023. 

School Board members unanimously approved the selection of Sondra Wyman to fill the District 5 vacancy on the board. Wyman was then officially sworn into her seat by the Honorable Judge Elizabeth Allen.

After a brief vote, officer positions were decided as follows:

• Board President Antonio Jaurigue;
• Vice President Ellen Specter;
• Secretary Christine Bernstein;
• Board Member Melanie Colgan; and
• Board Member Sondra Wyman. 

Board members were assigned to participate on a variety of committees as board representatives for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year.

Here are the assigned roles:

• LAPS Foundation – Melanie Colgan;
• Budget, Fiance and Audit  – Christine Bernstein, Antonio Jaurigue and Sondra Wyman
• JJAB – Melanie Colgan;
• LAC/LAPS/UNM-LA Executive Leadership – Christine Bernstein and Ellen Specter;
• New Mexico School Board Association Excellence in Student Achievement Award Committee Appointment – Antonio Jaurigue and Sondra Wyman;
• Native American Parent Advisory Committee – Antonio Jaurigue;
• Facilities Master Plan Work Group – Christine Bernstein and Sondra Wyman;
• Policy Review Committee – Ellen Specter and Sondra Wyman;
• Project Steering Committee for North Mesa – Christine Bernstein and Melanie Colgan;
• Bond/HB 33 Committee – Antonio Jaurigue and Ellen Specter;
• Equity Council – Melanie Colgan;
• White Rock Construction Planning – Antonio Jaurigue and Ellen Specter;
• Calendar – Christine Bernstein;
• Superintendent Evaluation – Christine Bernstein and Sondra Wyman; and
• Strategic Plan – Christine Bernstein.

Next, the School Board approved the bond resolution, which authorizes the issuance and sale of General Obligation bonds in the amount of $10,000,000. 

Acting Superintendent Jennifer Guy gave an overview of the LAPS legislative priorities for the upcoming 2023 session. The top priority is to amend the capital outlay act to reduce local matching requirements. Currently, LAPS is responsible for 80 percent funding while the state pays 20 percent for capital outlay projects.

Other priorities include increasing staff compensation so that New Mexico remains regionally competitive; supporting local decision making for school boards; and increased funding for professional development and expanding inclusive learning environments that incorporate culturally and linguistically responsive and relevant curricula and practices.

Following a closed executive session, the School Board accepted the resignation of Dr. Jose Delfin as LAPS superintendent and unanimously approved a resignation agreement, which allows Dr. Delfin the ability to pursue other interests and permits the Board to pursue hiring another Superintendent. The Board and Dr. Delfin have entered into the Agreement believing it is in their respective best interests and in the best interests of the District.

School Board members are scheduled to attend a strategic planning overview Zoom meeting with Dr. Robyn Jackson Thursday, Jan. 19.

The next School Board meeting will be held 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at Aspen Elementary School.