School Board President Antonio Jaurigue recognizes Damian Espino Scammell, a 7th grader at LAMS who received a college scholarship through ‘Saving for Success’ from the New Mexico Community Trust. Courtesy/LAPS
School Board member recognize members of the LAHS eSports teams for great showings at the state finals. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
The LAPS School Board met Thursday, May 25, in the School Boardroom and via Zoom. School Board President Antonio Jaurigue opened the meeting with a moment of silence to remember former LAPS student Andrew McCumber and Los Alamos High School junior Miles Weaver, who both passed away recently.
The School Board then recognized members of the Los Alamos High School eSports teams who had a great showing at the state finals. The Splatoon team took first place, while the Smash Bros team and the Rocket League earned third place finishes. They also recognized Daniel Kim, a junior at LAHS, who paced third in Environmental Engineering at the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and members of the LAHS Boys and Girls Track and Field teams who won their third state championships in a row.
Damian Espino Scammell, a 7th grader at Los Alamos Middle School, also received special recognition as the recipient of a $1,000 college scholarship.
“His grandparents wrote to us letting us know that in March 2023, Damian was awarded a $1,000 college scholarship through a New Mexico program called Saving for Success from the New Mexico Community Trust,” Jaurigue said.
The Superintendent’s Report included an update on strategic planning. Superintendent Jennifer Guy noted that Robyn Jackson, of Mindsteps, Inc., submitted a strategic analysis following her meetings with staff, students, administrators and community representatives, which is being reviewed. She also reported that the district is in discussions with the Public Schools Capital Outlay Committee regarding an increase in funding for the Pinon Elementary construction project. The Preschool program held a Family Day at Ashley Pond to wrap up the school year.
She also reminded the school board that Safety Town is scheduled to be held at Barranca Mesa Elementary School June 5 through June 9, and Summer School starts June 5 at Mountain Elementary School.
Los Alamos County Clerk Naomi Maestas gave a presentation on the 2023 regular local election. Candidate filing day is August 29, and early voting begins on Oct. 10. Election day is Nov. 7. She also discussed same day voter registration, and reminded everyone that it is important to get the word out about elections. More information may be found here.
School board members unanimously approved the 2023 General Obligation (GO) Bond election resolution. Three school board seats will be on the ballot for the 2023 election as well as a request to issue up to $30,000,000 of general obligation bonds.
The Board also approved additional funding in the amount of $611,641.35 plus a 5% contingency for leased facilities improvements to the 400 wing of the Pueblo Complex. The building requires systems upgrade improvements. Funding will come from leased funds.
Additional project funding in the amount of almost $263,00 for roof renovations on the 100 wing of Pueblo Complex and $480,00 for sewer line repairs in Griffith Gym will also come from leased funds. However, the district will be contacting the state to see if this project qualifies for PSFA funding.
The School Board also reviewed a proposed meeting schedule for 2023-2024 school board meetings. There were a few suggested adjustments to align with the new district calendar. The board plans to make a final decision at the next meeting.
The next School Board meeting is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 13 in the School Boardroom and via Zoom.