From San Lorenzo Elementary, students talk about forensic science. From left are L-R: Ixayana Alcorta, Ariana Legarda, Principal Michael Koury, and Executive Assistant Irene Rodriguez From San Lorenzo Elementary, students talk about forensic science. From left are L-R: Ixayana Alcorta, Ariana Legarda, Principal Michael Koury, and Executive Assistant Irene Rodriguez 

Photo and article by Hallie Richwine

The Regular Meeting of the Cobre Consolidated School District Board of Education began on Monday, April 23, 2018, following an executive session which lasted approximately one hour. Board members in attendance included President Ralph Sepulveda, Vice President Ralph Cordova, Secretary Frank Gomez, and Superintendent Robert Mendoza. Board members Gabriel Holguin and Gilbert Guadiana were absent.

No action was taken during executive session and there was no unfinished business.

First to present to the board were San Lorenzo Elementary students Ixayana Alcorta and Ariana Legarda. Their class is investigating a crime and they shared the physical scene with the public. They are learning to process evidence, from fingerprint analysis to chemical testing of stomach contents. The project allows students to develop critical thinking skills while exposing them to forensic science.

Next Principal Michael Koury presented the San Lorenzo Backpack Program. With the four-day week, some students may struggle with where to get those two meals they are missing from having Fridays off. This year San Lorenzo filled backpacks every Thursday morning to distribute to the students before they left for the weekend. For less than four dollars per student the program provides students with a little more food security. Koury would like to see the program go district-wide. With more people involved, they will have access to other grants.

Koury introduced Chris Debolt, Mimbres resident and volunteer. Debolt secured funding through community support, raffling donated items, and grants received through Single Socks and the Volunteer Center. “With district support we can get more support,” Debolt said.

“Have you talked to other schools, is there an interest?” Sepulveda asked.

Koury said he has talked to the principals at Snell Middle School, Hurley Elementary, and Santa Clara Elementary schools, and that the generosity has been unbelievable for the program.

Next Mendoza recommended the approval of a use of facilities request from the Infant Jesus Catholic Church for a fundraiser they have scheduled. The board agreed unanimously.

In reviewing recent donations, the district approved the acceptance of $1000 from the Silver City Moose Lodge for the Hurley Elementary Battle of the Books expenses and $1500 from Freeport McMoRan for After-prom expenses. A donation was received from Devil Doc Distributors but was tabled for further review to make sure there would not be a Title Nine violation.

George Peru updated the board on some district projects including updating the fire alarm system at the high school. The previous system did not have synchronized strobe lights which can cause seizures. Updates needed on the central office roof are still being researched. Other updates include moving the trailer from Bayard to Hurley and updating the gym floor, which are works in progress.

The next Regular Meeting of the Cobre Consolidated School District happens Monday, May 14, 2018 at 6 p.m. at the Administration Building.