Los Alamos School Board Meeting Highlights Jan. 14

Newly elected School Board members from left, President Ellen Ben Naim, Secretary Julia Baker, Vice President Christine Bernstein and board members Dawn Jalbert and Steve Boerigter. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

The Los Alamos School Board met Tuesday, Jan. 14 for a regular school b and the first meeting for new board members Julia Baker, Christine Bernstein and Dawn Jalbert. 

Outgoing board members Andrea Cunningham, Bill Hargraves and Jennifer McCumber were recognized by Board President Ellen Ben-Naim with a framed photo and Nambe ware. Ben-Naim thanked each of the outgoing board members for their service and invaluable contribution to the board and the school district during their tenure. A thank you note also was given on behalf of the Los Alamos High School student liaisons.

The incoming board members were officially sworn into their seats by Honorable Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen. After a brief vote, officer positions were decided:

  • Board President Ellen Ben-Naim;
  • Vice President Christine Bernstein;
  • Secretary Julia Baker;
  • Board Member Dawn Jalbert; and
  • Board Member Steve Boerigter.

During the meeting, Los Alamos County Community Development Director Paul Andrus presented a North Mesa Housing update to the board. The project, which is still in the design study phase, would develop approximately 30 acres of land owned by Los Alamos Public Schools into workforce housing while generating recurring revenue for LAPS. The county recently held an initial design workshop where attendees brainstormed several design concepts, which incorporated current uses of the parcel. 

Andrus invited the public to an open house at 6 p.m., Jan. 30 in Council Chambers to garner input on design alternatives and other site considerations. The next step in the process is a joint session Feb. 11 with the School Board and County Council. 

Also at the meeting, Dr. Hugh Prather of Prather Consulting reviewed communication guidelines and the importance of operating norms for the School Board. Prather reviewed the procedure for the superintendent’s annual evaluation, which involves receiving input from stakeholders. The Board will review input during a work session in February.

Board members were assigned to a variety of committees as board representatives for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year:

  • LAPS Foundation – Ellen Ben-Naim;
  • Budget – Steve Boerigter, Dawn Jalbert;
  • JJAB – Julia Baker;
  • Barranca Construction – Julia Baker;
  • Audit – Christine Bernstein;
  • NMSBA Excellence in Student Achievement Award Committee – Dawn Jalbert, Julia Baker;
  • Guidance Advisory Committee – Christine Bernstein;
  • Native American Parent Advisory Committee – Dawn Jalbert;
  • Facilities Master Plan Work Group – Steve Boerigter;
  • Policy Review Committee – Ellen Ben-Naim, Julia Baker;
  • Finance Sub Committee – Steve Boerigter, Christine Bernstein;
  • Project Steering Committee for North Mesa – Steve Boerigter;
  • Bond/HB 33 Committee – Ellen Ben-Naim;
  • Equity Council – Julia Baker;
  • Elementary School Attendance Zone – Ellen Ben-Naim, Steve Boerigter; and
  • White Rock Construction Planning – Ellen Ben-Naim, Steve Boerigter.

The School Board also was briefed on policy updates for provisions for school lunch and education of students who have or are carriers of communicable diseases. This was a second and third reading for these policies, respectively. 

The meeting wrapped up with the School Board voting to reschedule the next School Board Work Session to Thursday, Jan. 30 in order to avoid conflict with a NMSBA conference in Santa Fe. The Jan. 30 meeting will be in the LAPS School Board Room.

The School Board and County Council will hold a joint session Feb. 11 in the School Board Room with a regular School Board meeting is slated to follow.

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