By Hallie Richwine

The Regular Meeting of the Cobre Consolidated School District Board of Education began on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 7:01 pm, following an executive session which lasted approximately one hour. Board Members Gilbert Guadiana and Gabriel Holguin were absent.

Terry Holguin presented to the Board first. Holguin explained the process of tracking fixed and supply assets. The presentation was in response to the audit finding that showed the lack of tracking for such assets. Now the school district can not only track items but identify those that are obsolete. At that time, the items could be sold. President Ralph Sepulveda said, “Do we just sell it outright, or does that have to go to bid?” to which Holguin responded that any items would go to auction according to the process already in place. Vice President Frank Cordova asked about the depreciation process, and Holguin said that is part of the tracking system and eventually the line item would carry over at “0.”

Superintendent Robert Mendoza brought to the board two items for action, the authorization of a warranty deed to the Lower Mimbres Fire Department in San Juan Valley and the revisions to the Revision of the Wellness Policy. For the latter, Alicia Edwards explained the revisions and stood for questions. Both items passed unanimously.

During Financial review the board approved the review of bills. Additionally the budget required an adjustment for the dual credit instructional materials. The administration also requested approval for the Elementary Breakfast program and an increase in instructional materials. All items brought to the board were approved.

Mendoza gave his report, noting the Public Education Department Meeting that happens Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Performing Arts Center at Cobre High School at 8:30 am. He also reported expanding the student advisory committee to include Snell Middle School.

Mendoza proudly announced the Student Representative for the 2017-2018 school year, Markus Flores. Flores reported on the student advisory meeting held at the high school, where they discussed the state testing schedule. As it stands, some seniors get burned out by a full day of testing and they asked that the testing day be split into two.

During public comments, Cordova expressed concern about the lack of participation in the dual enrollment program.

The next Cobre Consolidated School District Board of Education meeting happens Monday, October 9, 2017 at Hurley Elementary School. Agenda items include the revision of the job description for the Director of Special Education and updating the policy for using district facilities.