'Eight or nine' superintendent applications received

Tucumcari Public Schools interim superintendent Dave Johnson said last week he received “eight or nine” applications from those seeking be the district’s next superintendent, with still time in the application window.

Board members during their Feb. 19 meeting tentatively set work session dates of March 4 and March 29, both at 5:30 p.m., to meet the candidates.

Johnson said a selection committee for the new superintendent would be formed. He said a survey to the community also would be drafted, asking what they want from TPS’ future leader.

Johnson said not all applicants would be interviewed, as the committee likely would reject a few because of gaps in relevant experience.

The deadline for candidates to submit an application is March 1.

When asked by board member Jerry Lopez when a new superintendent might be seated, Johnson responded he hoped it would be by mid-April to early May.

Johnson said it would be good if the new superintendent took over as the district and board were working on the 2024-2025 budget.

Johnson and administrative assistant Veronica Hernandez each were given stipends to lead the superintendent search.

Previous TPS superintendent Aaron McKinney retired on Jan. 1 after 18 years of leading the district.

Other business

The board approved resolutions to sell $1.5 million in bonds later this year.

Kaeley Weimerskirch of RBC Capital, which advises the district on its bonds, said by videoconference she anticipated selling another $1.5 million in bonds in 2025.

Voters in the district approved a $3 million bond issue in November.

Weimerskirch said the bond issues, plus a education technology note, would stabilize the district’s property tax rates.

She said the district could hold another bond vote in November 2027 of an estimated $3.2 million.

Lopez asked whether the forthcoming bond sale would be enough to cover the remaining expenses for the baseball and softball fields redevelopment project. Johnson replied to the affirmative, adding: “I think we’ll be in good shape.”

Funds from the bonds also are slated be used for resurfacing the track at Rattler Stadium and new climate control systems at the middle school.

— During his construction update, Johnson said several light fixtures at the new ballfields were replaced after one began smoking. He said the contractor will inspect the rest of the fixtures and light placement.

Lopez said he noticed dark sports behind home plate at the softball field at night.

Johnson also said the contractor has hauled dirt to low spots at both fields that became apparent after a recent storm.

Johnson said bleachers and dugout seating were ordered and will arrive as soon.

Infields will be dirt instead of sod. Johnson said the district opted for dirt infields because sod won’t stand up as well to wear and tear from cleats.

The THS baseball team’s first scheduled home game is March 16 against Estancia. The Lady Rattlers softball team’s first home game is scheduled for March 5, a junior varsity doubleheader against Clovis’ C team. Their first varsity home game is March 26 against Santa Rosa.

— Johnson said he met earlier that day with a committee regarding the district’s forthcoming five-year facilities plan.

He said state officials said district buildings are underused and that smaller facilities would save $2 million a year.

One option is demolishing the middle school and moving its students to the elementary or high school, which Johnson said would be unpopular with the community.

One option is moving seventh- and eighth-grade students to the high school.

Another option is demolishing all buildings and building one facility for prekindergarten through 12th grade, which Johnson and board members signaled was a non-starter.

Johnson admitted he became testy during some of the options presented, telling state officials that “we’re not raising cattle.”

He told board members about the plan: “This is not written in stone, but we have to show we’re cutting costs.”

— John C. Pacheco offered land he owns just north of Rattler Gymnasium that could be cleared and used for an estimated 100 additional parking spaces.

Pacheco, a Tucumcari native and a Houston-based contractor who operates in the area, said he owns that section of Fifth Street, plus Sixth and Seventh streets. He said four or five houses sit north of the gym, but they often lack parking during sports events.

Board members didn’t act on Pacheco’s proposal. It was listed only as a discussion item on the meeting agenda.

— Johnson said new roofs have been installed or soon will be installed at Rattler Gymnasium, the auditorium and elementary school after a severe hailstorm damaged them in May.

— Johnson noted the governor recently signed a bill into law that requires additional training for school boards: 10 hours a year for new members and five hours a year for current members.

— During reports by principals, Tonya Hodges said more items have been obtained for a sensory room in the elementary school so students with sensory processing impairments can decompress. She said a parent advisory committee recently donated money for new flooring for the room.

— The board voted to move its next meeting from March 18 to March 11 because of the district’s spring break.

— During public comments, Brianna Lucero spoke about the forthcoming demolition of Mountain View School, which is forcing tenant Early Head Start to find a new location.

She said the Early Head Start program accelerated her child’s learning and enabled Lucero to further her education. Lucero said if Early Head Start can’t find a new site, continuing her eduction would be difficult due to the lack of child care in Tucumcari.

Johnson said later in the meeting he had no updates on Early Head Start.