Alamogordo Public Schools is planning to hire in-house legal PROTECTION. On November 17, 2023, the Human Resources Department of Alamogordo Public Schools, through Colleen Tagle, posted a “Notice of Vacancy” for a one-year contract for a lawyer. The vacancy number is 42 013/11545. The job description entails ensuring that the district complies with local, state, and federal regulations. “The role involves providing timely and accurate legal counsel to district administrators and executives on various topics, with a particular focus on special education, Section 504, and ADA. Collaboration with management to devise efficient defense strategies [emphasis added] for legal challenges and the specification of internal governance policies are crucial aspects of this position.”
So why are the defeated majority board members suddenly active and implementing contracts that hamstring the new leadership? What is the problem? First, they are signing another contract to constrain the newly elected School Board members from implementing needed decisions. This is similar to the contract they crafted, making Pam Renteria Superintendent through December 2024. Second, If you believe their motive was to help the new board search for a new superintendent, I have an oceanfront lot in Alamogordo to sell you! Remember, it took them from February to September to develop a policy on “Violence Against Teachers and Students.” There was no rush when lives were at stake. Their actions do not pass the smell test.
On October 10th, APS paid $9,195.94 to an attorney, Jackie Archuleta-Staehlin who had been previously associated with Cuddy & McCarthy and on their website. Whether she is currently associated is unknown. According to the payment, it was not made to the Cuddy law firm as usual. You might be interested in reading about this person. “Turmoil at PED: Deputy Cabinet Secretary Resigns After Only Eight Days” Archuleta-Staehlin left a negative impression on the families of special needs children in the school system. According to Disability Rights New Mexico (DRNM) “For decades, Ms. Archuleta-Staehlin has represented many school districts across the state against students with disabilities and their families. As disability rights advocates, we have naturally been disappointed when her work has stood in the way of educational supports and services that these students require and are entitled to under state and federal law.” Gail Stewart, an attorney in Albuquerque who represents families of students with disabilities said, “She counseled districts in non-compliance with IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which deprived students of their civil rights to public education.”
According to the article, “At one point, Cuddy & McCarthy represented 80 percent of New Mexico’s 89 school districts, according to the firm’s website, and Archuleta-Staehlin was one of the firm’s experts on disability law. But critics said she used her knowledge against parents of students with disabilities.” If the name Cuddy & McCarthy sounds familiar, that is the law firm on retainer by APS.
Zoe Migel, a licensed clinical social worker who specialized in working with and advocating for children with autism, described Archulata-Staehlin’s tactics to include “bullying, stalling, stonewalling, blowing off and intimidating” parents and advocates. Migel was present for several “facilitated IEPs” – meetings with facilitators present – “where Archuleta-Staehlin served as counsel. In one instance, she led a meeting where more than 20 district officials were present. Two other advocates said they had also experienced meetings with her where a large number of school officials appeared. Doing this, all agreed, had the effect of intimidating parents.”
Migel asked, “Are [these strategies] in the best interest of the child and family? Absolutely not,” Migel answered. “That’s why you have IDEA, to protect these families from that kind of stuff.”
In addition, Amanda Owens, a parent, and Santa Fe Public Schools teacher told Searchlight she had little faith that Archuleta-Staehlin “would use her influence and authority to address the needs of disadvantaged students.” She first encountered the lawyer in Ruidoso Municipal Schools and later in Santa Fe. In both instances, Owens said Archuleta-Staehlin made it “unnecessarily difficult” to get services for her son, who has a traumatic brain injury.”
What is the question? What is APS thinking and planning? Could it be a marriage in heaven involving Renteria, Tagle, this attorney, and the tentacles of the defeated School Board? All are in agreement with tactics used to silence others. Think about it.
Whether this attorney is the one they ultimately hire or not, this person’s character, goals, and agenda are not what we need in our district. The community voted out those ideals. The fact APS would consult with Archuleta-Staehlin to the tune of over $9,000 and knowing her approach and tactics is very disappointing and repulsive. That attitude is not what is needed in our community or schools. This would equate to not only the continued railroading of APS teachers and employees but now Special Ed kids will also be disregarded and legally attacked in the continued denial of due process.
According to financial records, Archuleta-Staehlin worked independently for APS in September and was paid to her, not Cuddy & McCarthy. How long has this been going on? Does she have an office at APS? Is she working with the others in these moves that are occurring? Is Archuleta-Staehlin still working for Cuddy & McCarthy? If she is currently doing independent work for APS, is she contracted? Does the situation become convenient, resulting in a year-long contract with APS? If she has been working with/for APS and has an office there, the posting for an attorney should raise concerns about the timeline. It is almost impossible to run a job posting for an attorney in this part of the state for only a week and expect quality responses. That is not normal. Is it legal? Who knows. Is it suspect? Absolutely. It might take a legal scholar to ascertain whether the job posting is carefully tailored for Archuleta-Staehlin; is that another possible convenience? This is no way to operate an educational entity. These community members do this without concern, care, or transparency. Their agendas are not what is wanted, as exemplified by voting them out. Remember that! They do not own APS, but they think they do!
What else will the defeated Board tenacles achieve with the help of Pam Renteria and Colleen Tagle? Parents and community members, we must not tolerate this continued destruction of our school system. What kind of people do this to the children without ANY compassion or concern? If you haven’t figured it out yet, it might be more about CONTINUING WITH THE PROGRAMS THEY CONCEALED FROM PARENTS AND THE POWER THEY WERE WILLING TO USE AGAINST THOSE QUESTIONING THEIR AGENDA. No one acts like this without reason or decency, but they are bolting ahead with their plans. WAKE UP!
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