By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton School Board met Monday February 6, 2024, for their regular meeting for February as several board members have conflicts on their regular meeting night of February 15.
Wrestling Coach Cody Ayon reported that Raton Wrestling had a successful first season. As this was the first year for the program there was no budget for the program so the team had to raise money for the program. Ayon noted they did a great job raising over $12,000 for the program. The money raised by the team was used to purchase uniforms and other equipment. There were 15 out of 30 kids that stuck it out and completed the season.
Board members heard from Board President Jason Phillips about the HVAC system for the RHS Gym. Phillips noted the gym is part of the high school with respect to its heating system. Once the new school is built and the old school is demolished the gym will become its own building and require a boiler to heat the main part of the gym as the cafeteria and locker rooms are supplied heat by a local boiler. The main gym room will also require its own cooling system for summer activities which it hasn’t had since it was built.
Business Manager Myra Baird noted the district was awarded $250,000 for work in the cafeteria/kitchen area.
Board members approved a banking entity to hold the bond monies that were approved in the last election. This is the first requirement of many in the process for handling the money for the new school campus.
It is budget time again and the board will have budget workshops setup 30 minutes prior to their regular board meeting in March with the option for other workshops to be scheduled as needed.
The district received proposals for the HVAC system for the gym. There is $500,000 in ARP funds available for the HVAC project however, the estimated work is expected to cost just under $450,000. Mosark, LLC will be the primary contractor with the roofing work to be done by a separate contractor.
Student Chromebooks that were purchased during Covid haven’t lasted as long as anticipated. Baird noted it was estimated the devices would have a five-year lifespan, but the district is seeing only about three years of life from these devices. The district is asking for 350 chrome books with a protective case at the high school, 250 for RIS and 50 laptops for teachers. The cost of the replacement devices is $325,571.50 which will come from ARP funds.
The state has changed the form for the reimbursement rate for travel and is recommending that the district use the standard IRS rate for travel. The form will have to be updated yearly to keep up with current IRS rates.
Linda Ortiz, Alice Fitzgerald and Lenore Barfield were nominated for the NMSBA Student Achievement award. This award recognizes the contributions individuals have made to the district and the students over the years.
The board then went into executive session to discuss the superintendent evaluation and contract.
