By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton School Board met on Thursday evening April 16, 2026, where they heard the audit report and then reports from principals and Superintendent Kristi Medina and then moved on to the action items where they received the audit report.
The audit report presented by Byron and Chris Manning of Manning and Associates noted that this year’s audit received an unmodified audit which he noted is the best. Manning noted that the district was one of the best they had this year. The district only had two findings that the auditor felt was a significant deficiency. One of the findings dealt with federal funding and the other dealt with asset categorization.
FCCLA gave a report on their recent trip to state bringing home several awards. FCCLA members are planning to go to nationals and excited about being in Washington D.C. during the 250-year celebration.
Andrew Carbillo presented a short presentation about HVAC systems and what his office can provide the district with training and support for the district’s HVAC needs.
It was noted by all three principals that enrollment has remained steady for the first part of the year. Longfellow Principal Olga Nuerauter noted that they have 35 bicycles, and the goal is 50 bikes. K-Bobs raised $2500 for the program and the bikes will be presented during the awards ceremony in May.
Board President Jason Phillips talked about a 4-day week in his report noting that the state doesn’t have the legislative restrictions in their school schedule this year. He noted that he wanted to have a lengthier discussion on the matter but timing won’t allow for that while he is 50-50 on a 4-day week. He realizes there are both pros and cons to the issue. Myra Baird noted that the school calendar and budget deadline is 8:00 a.m. on May 12 which makes for a very short timeline to approve a new school calendar.
During the discussion High School Principal Joleene Starr noted that she wants to see more data on absentee rates and scholastic achievement of students in a 4-day week school system. RIS Principal Justin Mattorano noted that special ed IEPs going from 5-day to 4-day week will be a challenge. He worked in a 4-day school in Pueblo where they did Professional Development on one Friday a month and not have to take away from classroom time as it is done now. Medical appointments could be done on Fridays as well provided medical providers have office hours on Friday. He also noted that sports can be moved to Friday to reduce late night travel by having the games earlier in the day.
Phillips is also concerned about recruitment of faculty noting more teachers would likely be happier with the 4-day school week and it would be easier on recruitment. Nick Cardenas noted how it could help with transportation having more drivers available for sports trips on Fridays.
It was noted that Las Vegas City Schools (Robertson affiliated schools) have announced that they will try a 4-day school week next year which is part of the reason that sparked the discussion. Raton faculty and staff have had input into the 5-day school calendar for the 2026-2027 school year but may be going back to the drawing board for a 4-day week. Should Raton go to a 4-day week that will leave West Las Vegas as the only school district in the northeast corner of the state on a five-day schedule. The current 5-day schedule will put students in school on August 17 with a full week for Thanksgiving November 23-27 and two weeks for Christmas beginning December 21 through January 1st. A professional development day on January 4 will give students another day and will return to the classroom on January 5, 2026. Graduation will be May 28th as well as the last day of school for all students.
The calendar decision was tabled for another meeting with a lot of hurry up and get input from faculty and staff as well as the community. The big questions being considered will be, are you in favor of a 4-day school week or 5-day school week? Which day do you choose Monday or Friday for the day off? If one of the reasons for a 4-day week is to reduce absenteeism for things like doctor and dentist appointments it is hoped that the health care providers in the area will work with the district to make that happen. Also, childcare and student meals are a consideration as many students rely on school meals.
Board members approved the school’s financial report and budget adjustments.
Board members approved the meeting change for May from May 21st to May 11 to deal with the school calendar and other school items.
The board received a requisition for a plasma cutter for the welding shop. PlasmaCam Inc. quoted $25,728.20 for equipment, software and licenses. A CTE Grant will be used for the purchase of the equipment and was approved by the board.
The Board then adjourned and opened the special budget meeting for the 2026-2027 school year. The district is expecting increases in insurance. The district budget shows $11,156,322 or 76% for salary and benefits with other expenses estimated at $3,517,165. Baird was still waiting on the finalization of some numbers before having a complete budget ready to submit.
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