By Margaret Hopper

The Cobre School board met Monday, August 25, at the district office. The open meeting was preceded by a long closed session, from 6:00 until 7:20 pm, according to Board President Toy Sepulveda. In the closed session, he said they discussed student identifiable information, limited personnel, food service information and goals for the superintendent, Robert Mendoza. Although much was discussed and it is conceded that students liked the new food better and that more students were now eating in the cafeteria, no decisions were made. All board members were present, and the public meeting began at 7:25 pm.

In the superintendent's report, Mendoza said the new student representative will be introduced at the September 8 meeting. High school staff and principal usually choose this person. In a follow-up, it was decided that Gerhart's band members would need to select a different fundraiser. The band's discount card was the same as the football's plan, and they had asked first. Raymond Gonzalez is the new basketball coach for the girls' varsity.

Bayard Elementary students were scheduled to begin classes in the newly renovated building Tuesday, August 26. The interior was finished, leaving landscaping to be completed and some more work on the gym, expected to be completed by October 1.

The open house at Bayard Elementary will be held first for students and parents after 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 27, and later for the public at 6:30 pm.

Mendoza told the board that school will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 1, and also on Tuesday, September 2, for staff development. There will be a special awards ceremony at 5:00 pm on September 8 before the next board meeting. Football members, cheerleaders and band members will be given special attention for past wins at state.

With the help of Michael Acosta of WNMU, Cobre is resurrecting its mariachi group. Presently eight students have signed up for it. Uniforms, instruments and other needs are being sought at this time.

In a later call to George Peru, Operations Department, Mendoza said that the requested emergency loan had been accepted by the Public Education Department. The $200,000 will be used to replace the original plumbing under the high school building. Because it came by way of Cooperative Educational Services (CES), it met the conditions and was not a bidded contract. Tatsch Construction, a Silver City firm, will oversee the contract. The work should begin in about two weeks.

Mendoza requested that the board approve the July check total of $154,616.03, which was approved. A BAR (budget adjustment request) was also approved for the Grads Program, involving teen parents and encouraging the teens to reach graduation. The adjustment was for $8,000. Fran Kelly said later that this was a rather long-standing program that she remembered from the past.

During public input time, high school principal Quarrell informed the board of security measures being taken in his building.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm. The September 8 board meeting will be held at the high school's Performing Arts Center. The public portion is scheduled for 7:00 pm.