By Hallie Richwine 

The Silver Consolidated Schools Regular Board Meeting was held Tuesday, August 15, 2017 in the Silver Schools Administration Building. All members of the Board of Education as well as Superintendent Audie Brown were in attendance.

Among the presentations, MATCH New Mexico brought the board information about their program that could provide mentorship for third graders in an effort to improve literacy, partnering them up with trained students who themselves would be either of college-age or at the high school level. Mentees would be randomly paired with the older students, working four hours a week outside of classroom time to improve their reading skills. Successful programs in other schools have shown how invaluable this mentor program can be on the academic and emotional lives of youngsters.

Studies have shown 80 percent of students perform below their grade level, and getting third graders up to speed increases not only their literacy rate but also their overall performance. Former New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricio Serna said that if this program exists for other towns in New Mexico, why not for Silver City, too, adding that, “First you learn to read, then you read to learn...if you can’t read, you are doomed to failure.” Both Serna and Dr. John Graham of MATCH New Mexico thanked Vice President Frances Vasquez for being integral in bringing them to Silver City, and for the community’s marked enthusiasm for having such a collaboration.

Dr. Isaac Brundage from Western New Mexico University also agreed this is an excellent opportunity for the university, the district, and the community to come together to help students. University students would receive training and also a work-study stipend for their role in the project. Going forward, High School students would receive both High School and college credit for their involvement, as well as a small scholarship.

Board Member Justin Wecks mentioned the danger of institutions becoming islands, and how programs like this offer partnerships to achieve a common goal and also to help build our community.

Operational Principal Victor Oaxaca also presented to the board, showing the current external state of the Silver High School building and explaining the various drainage issues that need addressing. The building was built in 1966 and began holding classes in 1968. Performing a facelift now could help prevent further damage and also update the appearance to be more welcoming for visitors.

Board Member Patrick Cohn said he would like to see updates around the football field as it is one of the best grass fields in the state. Secretary Ashley Montenegro commented that the school could also address safety and "how we control who comes and goes by including the placement of the office in this update."

Barry Ward presented updates on bond project construction, showing that all projects are on track as previously anticipated. Gym floors were redone at both La Plata and the High School.

Playgrounds at Jose Barrios Elementary School and Sixth Street Elementary School were completed. Roofing projects at Cliff and the High School are on track. Ward said priorities have been established to make sure the funding lasts.

Fox Field is one of the projects that has been prioritized, as it is the most used facility by the public in the county. President Mike McMillan asked how long ago the previous repairs were done, and Ward said it has been about five to six years, which is typical for that type of repair.

Brown commented on how smoothly the construction has gone and lauded Ward’s work to keep the projects and contractors going.

The Board of Education is hosting the next Region VIII meeting at the Cliff Schools complex and is currently planning the menu and entertainment. Approximately 45 will attend. Making sure to have appropriate signage, so people from out of town are comfortable, is a concern that will be addressed.

The Board’s made positive comments on the start to the academic year. Secretary Ashley Montenegro said that she heard great things about the professional development teachers received prior to kicking off the year. Cohn said he believes the enthusiasm in the district is at an all-time high and the children, teachers, and staff seem happy. Wecks said, “As a former teacher, there are a lot of times when I miss very dearly being in the classroom, but the first day of school is not one of them. I’m grateful for the staff to get the kids through the first day, and week, of school.”

The next Regular Meeting of the Silver Consolidated Schools Board of Education will be September 19, 2017 at 6:00 pm with the Work Session directly preceding at 5:30 pm. Both meetings take place at the Silver Schools Administration Building located at 2810 North Swan Street in Silver City.