Educators go to school to learn HOW to teach. They are certified for different grade levels and subject matter. They should be respected for their abilities and knowledge in their fields. However, there is an administrative/managerial aspect that is neglected. This applies to classroom management as well. Because of the focus of their education, their experience does not often include the “big picture” of operations. This is why community input is critical. The wise person admits they do not know all. One person may have a vision but has no clue about the best way to implement it for success. There are unintended consequences in every potential decision. All the more reason to seek and accept the benefit of the experience of others whether it is from hard knocks, common sense, or professional understanding. This is not a bad mark against you unless you ignore this valuable input. You are the ones who have disengaged from the community but wonder why there is such a struggle to get parental involvement. Was it something you said or did to let them know they were not taken seriously or was it a “just deal with it” scenario?
It is always healthy to have input from a variety of sources with different viewpoints. If that is not happening, the same problems will occur because a “hive mind” has no creativity or “out of the box” thinking. None of us have all the answers but the Alamogordo Public Schools and School Board believe they do.
Here are a few APS policies and New Mexico State Laws on the subject of education and community. First, the School Board follows the policies written by the New Mexico School Board Association. No effort on our board’s part. If you recall, the national head of this group, the National School Board Association, was the one who worked with the White House in constructing a letter stating that parents should be labeled as terrorists for speaking up in school board meetings. This letter was sent to the Office of the U.S. Attorney General, Merrick Garland, and to the FBI for enforcement.
This group and state level groups (NMSBA)want to control all aspects of education. They are not elected but are another non-profit trying to influence or control the situation while state education departments are allowing this to happen. Remember, there is NEVER any accountability when national non-profit organizations take over and push an agenda. When we are not given a choice, it does not work out well. What is the recourse?
Listed are excerpts from current policies with policy titles and numbers. The New Mexico State laws follow this section:
POLICIES FROM THE NEW MEXICO SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION ON THE APS WEBSITE
K-0050 © KA
SCHOOL – COMMUNITY – HOME
RELATIONS
GOALS / PRIORITY OBJECTIVES
To invite the assistance, cooperation, and understanding of elected and appointed community officials and committees in the development of educational programs and facilities.
To promote a genuine spirit of cooperation between the District and community in sharing leadership for the improvement of the community.
K-3150 © KL NM SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION
RELATIONS WITH
GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES
The District shall seek to establish mutually beneficial relations with all local, county, state, and federal governmental agencies. Governmental agencies are an integral part of the community, and their participation shall be sought in matters that affect the educational program and quality of life in the community.
C-0100 CB NM SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION
SUPERINTENDENT
ensure that school patrons and the public are informed and involved in the acquisition, planning, and development of school facilities, and that students are provided with adequate facilities which conform to state and federal mandates;
D-0150 DB NM SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL BUDGET
…The District’s Educational Plan for Student Success (EPSS) shall serve as the basis for developing the budget. The Superintendent shall establish a budget development process which ensures the representation of all stakeholders, employees, parents, citizens, community organizations, etc. Such representation, at least in part, should be selected from that body of stakeholders that developed the EPSS recommendations. Recommendations from stakeholders will be made to the Superintendent…
Note: Who are the community members (stakeholders) who are selected to develop the EPSS recommendation? This should be public information posted on the APS website.
G-0050 © GA NM SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION
PERSONNEL GOALS / PRIORITY
OBJECTIVES
The Board is interested in its personnel as individuals, and it recognizes its responsibility for promoting the general welfare of the staff members.
F-0050 © FA NM SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION
FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT GOALS /
PRIORITY OBJECTIVES
To design school buildings as economically as feasible, providing that learner needs are effectively and adequately met by the design.
To involve the community, school staff members, available experts, and the latest in related current development and research in building plans and specifications.
K-0150 © KB NM SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
IN EDUCATION
Giving written notice to parents and other community members and inviting parental involvement in the instructional materials adoption process at the District level. Also giving public notice regarding the instructional materials adoption process, such notice may include publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the School District.
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THESE ARE NEW MEXICO STATE LAWS
NM State Law 22-5-16. Advisory school councils; creation; duties.
Each public school shall create an advisory “school council” to assist the school principal with school-based decision-making and to involve parents in their children’s education.
A school council shall be created and its membership elected in accordance with local school board rule. School council membership shall reflect an equitable balance between school employees and parents and community members. At least one community member shall represent the business community, if such person is available. The school principal may serve as chairman. The school principal shall be an active member of the school council.
NM State Law 22-8-11. Budgets; approval of operating budget.
The department shall not approve and certify an operating budget of any school district or charter school that fails to demonstrate that parental involvement in the budget process was solicited.
NM State Law 22-8-12.3. Local school board finance subcommittee; audit committee; membership; duties.
D. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each local school board shall appoint an audit committee that consists of two board members, one volunteer member who is a parent of a student attending that school district and one volunteer member who has experience in accounting or financial matters. The superintendent and the school district business manager shall serve as ex-officio members of the committee.
WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?
There are a few things worth noting in these policies and laws. Where is the community involvement? Where are the individual stakeholders, community members, parents or experts referred to as appointed or are advisors? Who are they? Is there any record of participation? This is information that should be public knowledge and posted on the APS website. No more dark operations by the Alamogordo Public Schools or School Board! If what is going on cannot survive the light of day and questions, it is not something the people of Alamogordo want. Be transparent! Work WITH the parents, community, elected officials, and stakeholders.
Despite assertions by the New Mexico School Board Association, schools DO NOT own our children.
Do not follow the instructions of the New Mexico School Board Association that is telling you to respond by saying basically “If you don’t like the way things are, you can go to a private school or homeschool.” That is the typical “my way or the highway.” This is in your face “We don’t care about your ideas, issues, incidents, or maltreatment.” Surely this is not the message you are trying to send.
The Alamogordo Public Schools and School Board would be better served and have the community behind them IF they would encourage input and advice from ALL Stakeholders: Parents, teachers, students, business and community leaders, elected officials, and community members in a discussion. That is how you gain support. Discuss issues and approaches. Be open. The power you are desperately trying to hold onto is small compared to what you would have with the community behind you. Believe it or not – WE WANT TO SUPPORT YOU. GIVE US A CHANCE AND INTERACT WITH US!
