By Margaret Hopper

The May 9 meeting of Cobre school board was held in San Lorenzo Elementary. Three of the five directors were present: Robert Montoya, Frances Kelly and board president Toy Sepulveda, assuring a quorum. The executive session began at 6:08 p.m. where student identifiable information, limited personnel and the budget shortfall were discussed. The open public session began at 7:26.

As old business, the board approved the receipt of a donation from Tommy Rueda of X-Caliber Collision, an auto shop in Silver, a check for $1254 for the Athletic Fund.

Michael Koury, principal of San Lorenzo, told of recent successes at the school. He told of the average reading for students, by grade, in the accelerated reading program. Kindergarten figures began in January, with students reading an average of 62 books each. In other grades, the figures were by the year, with first graders reading an average of 197 books, second graders 186, and in the upper grades, the figures were in the 220s to the 250s per student.

The other student improvement was in helping children increase their basic math facts recall. He and staff planned a pizza party for all students meeting the math facts goals set for them by testing time. He said they told kids the goals couldn't be lowered, but they were given all the help possible, and a large percentage of them met those goals. He gave lavish praise to the kids and their teachers.

San Lorenzo had applied for and received a grant of trees, shrubs and other plants under the Keep New Mexico Beautiful. He said children had helped in setting the plants out. The Road Runner Pantry was now delivering food to the school. They had asked for enough to help 50 families. These foods could be picked up at school between 8 and 3:00 p.m. on the given day. This was a permanent pantry, a first in Grant County. Supplements included fresh fruits and vegetables, non-perishables, breads and some refrigerated foods.

Koury introduced Marilyn Markel, Mimbres resident, who is president of the Grant County Archaeology Society. She was helping San Lorenzo students celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Parks by looking at photos of the Cliff Dwellings (taken by other students in 2007.) Students this year made paintings based on those photos, which will be on display this summer. She said she wanted children to realize what world-class archaeology they had here in New Mexico and respond to it with stewardship and community involvement.

Koury then ended his presentation by having a first grader read her favorite page aloud from a book. He also invited any of the board, who came to visit, to see the new plantings for the school.

Superintendent Robert Mendoza gave the financial reports. In the financial reports, the board approved new funds coming in for Titles I, II and III. Title I was increased by $426,210; Title II, by $56,325 and Title III by $10,725. He noted that Title I had been reduced nearly $70.000 from last year, and Title II, by $65,000. Title III was reduced by nearly $800. All were reduced; the pattern continued.

A final allocation of $1551 went in the Dual Credit Instructional Materials fund, and Fine Arts Education Act added $150,259.15. The IDEA Basic application for $358,284 and Pre-school, $14,921, was also approved. These were for Special Ed.

The district was requesting $248,979 for this summer's K-3 Plus program, $304,922 for Reads to Lead, $597,992 for Pre Kindergarten, and $8000 for Hard-to-staff Stipends. These requests were approved.

The board read the draft for an Emergency Leave Donations policy, which spelled out how the annual or sick leave would be transferred for a medical emergency. Forms had also been drafted to facilitate those transfers for employees' use. This was a first reading. The district had asked for two truancy and dropout prevention coaches for the 2016-2017 year. The State had approved one slot that would amount to a teaching salary, about $40,000. This was being coordinated with the JPPO program.

One person received the State School Board Association award for Valuable Employee. Irene Rodriguez was greatly surprised that she had been nominated. She says she will display it at home.

In the Superintendent's Report, Robert Mendoza informed the board of fundraisers that student groups were planning. A number of athletic groups, cheerleaders, band members and others had written their requests for fundraisers. Graduation would be May 27, and Snell Middle School would have a ceremony.

The meeting adjourned at 8:19. The next board meeting is set for May 23 at the District Office.