Portales school board announces back-to-school dates

With the end of summer break around the corner, the Portales Municipal School Board announced upcoming back-to-school dates on Monday.

All board members were present for the meeting. The decision came at the end of the school board’s regular meeting.

President Rod Savage led the discussion by announcing the following events:

• Aug. 7-8, Professional Development

• Aug. 8, a “Welcome Back District Breakfast” at 8 a.m. at the Portales High School Cafeteria.

• Aug. 9, an open house.

• Aug. 10, first day of classes for grades 7-12

• Aug. 16, first day of classes for pre-k to grade 6.

In other action Monday:

• The board learned there are positions open for a social studies teacher at the junior high and a special education teacher at the high school.

• The board authorized changing dates for three Portales School board meetings, which were scheduled on holidays.Dates will be moved as followed:

• Monday, Oct. 9 will be moved to Tuesday, Oct. 10.

• Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 will be moved to Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.

• Monday, March 4, 2024 will be moved to Monday, March 11, 2024.

Savage said that the board will continue to follow the “Opens Meeting Act”, regardless of these adjustments.

• In a unanimous vote, the board agreed to waive the nepotism rule to allow summer employment of a son of Superintendent Johnnie Cain.

• Approved the use of the $102,916 in federal Title IV grant money to support professional development for some students planning to enter particular fields, and their teachers. The money will also assist in technology use and extended learning times for those students on Fridays. The agricultural program within the Portales Junior High will also receive a portion of the funds.

• The board delayed a review of last year’s district academic data, as they are still waiting for 2022-2023 school year data from New Mexico Vistas.