Logan board OKs resolution opposing 5-day school week

The Logan Municipal Schools board approved a resolution opposing the state Public Education Department’s 180-day instruction rule change that would effectively end the four-day week at many rural schools.

The resolution, passed last Monday, also authorizes superintendent Dennis Roch to support litigation that would challenge the PED’s rule change.

“There is a profound concern that these changes will lead to a loss of local control over educational decisions and undermine the unique needs and successful practices of our rural school district,” the resolution states.

It states the board “declares its strong opposition” to the rule change and has authorized Roch to participate in a likely lawsuit to challenge the state’s changes and remit funds not to exceed $1,000 to the New Mexico School Superintendents Association for legal expenses.

During a San Jon school board meeting two days later, superintendent Alan Umholtz said he anticipates presenting a similar resolution to the board soon. The Tucumcari Public Schools board also was scheduled to vote on a similar resolution this week.

The PED announced a new rule in March that would require all public schools to operate on a minimum of 180 instructional days starting in the 2024-2025 school year.

Schools that operate on a four-day schedule can earn an exemption if students attain a certain reading proficiency level or if they show substantial improvement in that this year. Only a small handful of schools in New Mexico qualify with the former.

All of Quay County’s schools operate on a four-day schedule.

In other business:

— The board approved the Class of 2025’s senior trip that will take place in early June 2025, with graduation scheduled for June 14, 2025.

The seniors will take a cruise ship to Alaska for about 10 days, using about $53,000 in funds they have raised.

Class sponsors Glynna Strand and Dallas Valentine recommended early June for the trip because a rodeo athlete in the class likely will compete in the state finals during Memorial Day weekend. State FFA competition also is scheduled in late May. The state baseball tournament is scheduled for mid-May.

“My preference is it be wrapped up in May,” board President Toby Willis said. “But I don’t want to short-change the kids, either.”

The Class of 2024 also is taking an Alaska cruise on June 5-12, which prompted the board to move graduation from its traditional Memorial Day weekend to June 15 after concerns about insurance coverage and accountability.

— The board with little discussion approved a second reading of toughened revisions to the student cellphone policy.

Roch said the policy will be part of the new student handbook, and students know the changes are coming.

“I’m happy with what we’ve hammered out,” Willis said.

— The board approved Rice & Associates of Albuquerque to be the district’s next auditor. The board chose it over Beasley, Mitchell & Co. of Albuquerque.