I think I have mentioned before that I was elected president of our local school board. This has been a big responsibility, and a lot more complex than might first appear. In addition to issues involving the state of New Mexico and the Federal Government, our district encompasses two Indian Pueblos that are sovereign nations.
Our school district, although not large in population, is geographically immense, covering over 1,000 square miles. My interest in the school board got it's start when Barb started teaching the second grade class. Many of you are no doubt aware of the federal program commonly referred to as "No child left behind". Schools across the country have found compliance very difficult. For schools such as ours, it has been particularly tough. First, New Mexico set unusually high standards for their schools. This was unexpected, since New Mexico has consistently lagged behind nearly every other state in educational ranking. And for our district the task has been even harder. We have very high poverty, a high number of kids whose native language is Spanish, Towa, or Keres (these last two being Pueblo languages).
Despite all of these obstacles, our elementary school was one of 13 schools honored by the New Mexico legislature and department of education as schools on the rise. We were invited to the "roundhouse", which is New Mexico's especially beautiful state capital for a presentation, and reception. In addition, the legislature appropriated $4,000.00 to purchase additional library materials for each of these 13 schools. One of the pictures I had taken at the school was put on a poster attached to the wall at the reception.
OK, I am sure I have bragged enough, but I am on a natural born high this evening. I am going to attach a picture of our great faculty and administrative team, with my picture in the center. In addition, I will try to post to pictures of the "roundhouse". New Mexico is financially poor, but rich in artistry.
Our school district, although not large in population, is geographically immense, covering over 1,000 square miles. My interest in the school board got it's start when Barb started teaching the second grade class. Many of you are no doubt aware of the federal program commonly referred to as "No child left behind". Schools across the country have found compliance very difficult. For schools such as ours, it has been particularly tough. First, New Mexico set unusually high standards for their schools. This was unexpected, since New Mexico has consistently lagged behind nearly every other state in educational ranking. And for our district the task has been even harder. We have very high poverty, a high number of kids whose native language is Spanish, Towa, or Keres (these last two being Pueblo languages).
Despite all of these obstacles, our elementary school was one of 13 schools honored by the New Mexico legislature and department of education as schools on the rise. We were invited to the "roundhouse", which is New Mexico's especially beautiful state capital for a presentation, and reception. In addition, the legislature appropriated $4,000.00 to purchase additional library materials for each of these 13 schools. One of the pictures I had taken at the school was put on a poster attached to the wall at the reception.
OK, I am sure I have bragged enough, but I am on a natural born high this evening. I am going to attach a picture of our great faculty and administrative team, with my picture in the center. In addition, I will try to post to pictures of the "roundhouse". New Mexico is financially poor, but rich in artistry.
