Superintendent's contract renewed

The Portales Municipal Schools Board of Education renewed Superintendent Randy Fowler’s contract during their regular meeting Monday in the district Administration Building.

The board voted to give Fowler another year on his three-year contract, so he will continue to serve in the 2012-2013 school year.

Fowler is receiving no pay increase.

Alan Garrett, board president, said Fowler has helped Portales schools in every way possible since his hiring five years ago.

“Everything is in order, and considering the budget restraints we’ve got, he has a strong focus on academics, and every decision he makes is geared toward the students’ success and achievements,” Garrett said.

The board discussed Fowler’s contract last month in an executive session. Every year the board adds back the year that has passed on his contract.

“I appreciate the confidence the board has shown in me,” Fowler said. “I know that we are kind of on the same page with what they are wanting and what they need.”

In other business, the board:

• Heard a report from the Portales Junior High School Student Council on the Operation: Santa Cop toy drive and penny wars fundraiser.

• Approved a bond sale of $1.9 million for maintenance. The interest is 2.99 percent, and there is a chance the school can refinance for lower interest rates for a refund on past bonds, said Al Clemmons of George K. Baum and Company, the district’s investment firm.

• Approved $150 donation for the Destination Imagination program at Valencia Elementary School.

• Approved a donation of bicycles for students who had perfect attendance.

• Approved a donation of $1,000 to the junior high school from a community grant to purchase printers.

• Heard the annual Graduation Reality and Dual-role Skills program report.

• Heard the 2008-2009 audit report, which had only one finding of fault. The district passed the audit, and auditor Gayland Cowen said the finding was probably Santa Fe’s fault.