Raton School Board Approves Math Instructional Materials

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

School is out but the Raton School Board of Education is taking care of business at their July 16, 2026, board meeting where they heard reports on the budget, math instructional materials for grades K-12 and roof repairs at the bus barn.

Students from the FCCLA were present to talk about their attendance at the national conference in Washington DC including being there during the 4^th of July celebration. Eight students made the trip with two students receiving a gold for their projects with others receiving a silver award. Chiara Martinez noted that it was a special treat to meet other students and trade state pins with them.

Chantel Romero brought her concerns to the board about how K-Myiah Romero is being treated after an incident during basketball season. Romero had asked for and has not received video and other evidence from the incident that she has asked for. Chantel noted that she was not allowed to attend K-Myiah’s games due to the incident.

During reports Superintendent Kristi Medina told board members about an upcoming meeting with PSFA on the progress the district has made on the new school. The meeting will hopefully put the district on the construction path hoping to begin dirt work in December 2026. Medina noted with all the changes that have gone on during the process that she is hopeful the December dirt work schedule will hold but noted it could change.

The district is moving to Synergy as a new program for grades and parent contact but will keep Parent Square online until the 40^th day so that the district can ensure that everything transfers over.

Bill Monday with Elite IT talked about new chrome books being given to the freshmen. The district will be looking at 60-70 new devices for the freshmen classes. The IT group manages all the chrome books for students and was asked about allowing students to bring their own device which is not allowed due to filtering issues and security reasons. Monday talked about Framework computers and how easy it is to work on and replace parts for staff members.

The board approved the purchase of Great Minds math instructional materials for an elementary math course that will be a six-year program at a cost of $ 167,265.64.

The high school will use math instructional material from Savvas Learning program at a cost of $88,271

CCMSI inspected the roof at the bus barn and have awarded the school $59,636.63 for repairs after several hailstorms damaged the roof and skylights. The district’s deductible is only $5000 to cover their portion of the repairs.

Board members approved the final read on Policy 273 and 274 and had the first read on policies 275-278. These policies are handed down from the state and the board can make changes but normally adopt them as is.

Policy Advisory No. 273 – GBGC – Employee Assistance – Final Read

Policy Advisory No. 274 – KDB – Public’s Right to Know – Final Read

Policy Advisory No. 275 – GCIA – Teacher Residency Program – First Read

Policy Advisory No. 276 – JICJ – Use of Cell Phones and Electronic Devices in Schools – First Read

Policy Advisory No. 277 – JLCEC – Cardiac Emergency Response Plan – Automated External Defibrillators –First Read

Policy Advisory No. 278 – JLF – Reporting Child Abuse/Child Protection – First Read

 The board will meet again on August 17^th after school resumes for teachers on August 3^rd with schools having jump start days on August 5^th and 6^th. The first day of classes will begin on August 10 for all students.