Gallup-McKinley County Schools public meetings in 2021

Regular Meeting

The board approved a consent agenda of ten items, including bids for HVAC, plumbing, painting, and miscellaneous trades, an award for English Language Learners services to Savvas Learning Company, financial transactions, surplus and fixed asset disposal, travel approvals for superintendent and students, and statewide dual credit master agreements with 14 post-secondary schools. All items were passed by a single motion.

• Approval of bids for HVAC, plumbing, painting, and miscellaneous trades (ITB-2022-20RB, ITB-2022-21RB, etc.)
• Award of RFP for English Language Learners services to Savvas Learning Company (RFP-2021-13BK)
• Approval of statewide dual credit master agreements with 14 post-secondary institutions (e.g., UNM, NMSU, Navajo Technical University)
• Approval of superintendent travel to AASA Convention in Nashville, TN, February 16-20, 2022
• Approval of disposal of surplus electronics, fixed assets, and out-of-state student travel for Miyamura and Thoreau High Schools

Regular Meeting

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board will consider consent agenda items including the award of a geothermal feasibility testing contract to Geo-Energy Services, LLC, approval of financial transactions, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Indian Youth Council for an internship program. Public comment will be limited to agenda topics.

• Award of RFP-2022-14RB for on-call contractors
• Award of RFP-2022-05MA to Geo-Energy Services, LLC for vertical borehole and thermal conductivity testing at 10 sites
• Approval of Gallup High School Dance Team travel to Orlando, FL for a national competition (13 students, 1 chaperon)
• Approval of disposal of fixed assets from Chief Manuelito, Gallup High, Technology, Ramah High, David Skeet Elementary, and various other schools
• Approval of MOU with National Indian Youth Council for Employment and Training Internship Program

Regular Meeting

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board approved a consent agenda that includes a multi-year contract for a phonemic awareness program, a re-bid for propane service, financial transactions, and a donation of books. The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting and the agenda as presented.

• Award of RFP-2022-07RB for a Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Program (K-2) to Empower Educational Consulting, contract through 2027
• Re-bid of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) ITB-2022-12MA awarded to Ferrellgas LLP, with option to renew up to three additional years
• Approval of GMCS financial transactions for October 25, 2021, including budget increases and transfers
• Acceptance of 1,100 American Girl Books donated from Reader to Reader for GMCS students

Regular Meeting

The board approved a consent agenda that includes an increase in the bus driver signing incentive from $2,000 to $3,000 to attract new drivers. Other consent items include approval of a Medicaid billing solution contract (RFP-2021-53KC) for up to five years, the American Recovery Plan application for COVID-19 stimulus funds, and a Memorandum of Understanding with Silver Stallion Bicycle & Coffee Works. New business items include updated graduation requirements policy I-7350 IKF and the Johnson O'Malley application.

• Increase bus driver signing incentive from $2,000 to $3,000
• Approval of Medicaid Service Management & Billing Solution contract (RFP-2021-53KC) for up to 5 years
• Approval of American Recovery Plan (ARP) application for federal stimulus funds
• Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Silver Stallion Bicycle & Coffee Works
• Approval of updated graduation requirements policy I-7350 IKF

Regular Meeting

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board approved its agenda and minutes, then adopted a consent agenda covering vehicle procurement, financial statements, a Walgreen experiential learning agreement, a mask donation, a MESA partnership, a Days Inn agreement, and out-of-state travel. In new business, the Board adopted a resolution granting a waiver that allows SJM Trucking to bid on district procurement despite conflict‑of‑interest rules. All items were approved by motion and vote.

• Award of ITB-2022-06MA for vehicles for Technology and R&D staff
• Three‑year Walgreen Co. experiential learning agreement for pharmacy students
• Donation of 12,000 N95 masks from NM Covid‑19 Association
• Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding with New Mexico MESA for multiple schools
• Resolution waiving conflict‑of‑interest rules to let SJM Trucking bid on district contracts

Regular Meeting

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools board approved several consent agenda items, including financial updates and memoranda of understanding with community organizations. The board also authorized a $2,000 signing incentive for new bus drivers and approved legal actions against the U.S. Department of Interior and Merchants Bonding Company over federal funding and a construction contract. These decisions address immediate staffing needs and ongoing disputes affecting district finances.

• Approval of a $2,000 signing incentive for new bus drivers hired before September 30, 2021
• Authorization of litigation against the U.S. Department of Interior for Johnson O’Malley (JOM) funding
• Authorization of litigation against Merchants Bonding Company for failing to honor a performance bond
• Authorization of a federal court appeal regarding the FY 2021 Impact Aid Determination
• Approval of memoranda of understanding with New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight and the Nizhoni Network

Regular Meeting

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools board approved the consent agenda, which includes bids for equipment, supplies, and professional support services for autistic students. The board also approved a separate contract for pumping and portable toilet services. The financial section was approved as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved consent agenda including bids for equipment, supplies, and a price agreement for school-year purchasing
• Approved a request for proposal (RFP-2021-52KC) for autism spectrum disorder and behavioral support services for up to four years
• Approved a contract for pumping of grease traps, septic systems, and portable toilet rentals (ITB-2022-03RB) with optional three-year renewal
• Approved the financial section for August 2, 2021

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education met to approve several administrative and financial actions via a consent agenda. These included budget adjustments, book donations, and agreements with healthcare facilities and universities.

• Donation of 1,014 Animal Rock Books to Lincoln Elementary School
• Memorandum of Agreement to add Juneteenth as a federal holiday to the GMCS calendar
• Memorandum of Understanding between GMCS and Ft. Defiance Indian Hospital Board
• Collaborative Agreement between GMCS and Crownpoint Healthcare Facility
• Education Agreement between University of Kentucky and GMCS

Special Meeting

The board approved the 2021-2022 tentative agreements including the school calendar, salary schedules for collective bargaining unit members, and participation as a flow-through entity for the NMPED COVID-19 Sick Leave Program. It also accepted $60,486 for Retention Addenda Stipends through CRRSA. An executive session was held for collective bargaining negotiations and attorney-client privilege discussions with McFuse.

• Accepted $60,486 for Retention Addenda Stipends through CRRSA
• Approved 2021-2022 Tentative Agreements with McFuse including school calendar, salary schedules, and COVID-19 Sick Leave Program
• Convened executive session for collective bargaining negotiations and attorney-client privilege pertaining to negotiations with McFuse

Regular Meeting

The board approved a consent agenda including contracts for sprinkler systems and HVAC, a memorandum of agreement with Sexual Assault Services of NW NM, and the Lambson Transportation contract. Also approved were a new tobacco policy for SY 2021-2022, a high school diploma for Vietnam veteran Gary Saiz, and a permanent cash transfer from closed GRAD's program accounts.

• Sprinkler and HVAC maintenance contracts approved (ITB-2021-48KC, ITB-2021-46MA)
• Memorandum of Agreement with Sexual Assault Services of NW NM for SY 2021-22
• Lambson Transportation busing contract for FY2022 approved
• Tobacco policy for SY 2021-2022 approved
• High school diploma awarded to Vietnam veteran Gary Saiz

Regular Meeting

The board approved the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget. They also approved consent agenda items including multiple bid awards, permanent cash transfers from debt service to capital projects and from operational impact aid to debt service for the Ramah Teacherage Project. Additionally, the board recognized the Gallup High School Girls Basketball Team and approved the Fine Arts Education Act application for elementary art funding.

• Approval of Fiscal Year 2022 Budget
• Permanent cash transfer from Debt Service to Capital Projects for NMFA loans
• Permanent cash transfer from Operational Impact Aid to Debt Service for Ramah Teacherage Project interest cost
• Award of multiple bids: aggregate material, asphalt paving, fire extinguisher, low voltage, pest/rodent control
• Approval of Fine Arts Education Act 2021-2022 application for Elementary Art Funding

Special Meeting

This special meeting focuses on a decision regarding the outcome of a hearing to discharge or reinstate employee Marilyn Werner. The board will also convene an executive session under the Open Meetings Act for a limited personnel matter and legal consultation. The agenda includes procedural items such as approval of the agenda and opening ceremonies.

• Render decision on hearing to discharge or reinstate employee Marilyn Werner
• Executive session for personnel matter and legal counsel under Open Meetings Act
• Approval of the agenda (procedural action)
• Opening items: call to order, pledges, roll call

Regular Meeting

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board held a regular meeting and approved several items. The board approved consent agenda items including financials, a bilingual education funding application, an early graduation request, and a resolution for a regular school district election. Under new business, the board approved the superintendent's contract.

• Approval of superintendent contract (New Business)
• Approval of GMCS financials (Consent Agenda)
• Approval of election resolution and proclamation (Consent Agenda)
• Approval of early graduation for student from Tse Yi Gai High School (Consent Agenda)
• Approval of Bilingual Multicultural Education Program funding application (Consent Agenda)

Special Meeting

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education approved providing insurance to eligible part-time employees working 15-20 hours per week and paying the employer’s share of premiums. The board also approved an Audit Request For Proposal and held an executive session to evaluate the superintendent.

• Approved providing health insurance to part-time employees on contract working 15-20 hours per week, with district paying employer's share of premiums
• Approved Audit Request For Proposal (RFP) for auditing services
• Held executive session under New Mexico Open Meetings Act for superintendent evaluation
• Board members present: Charles Long, Kevin Mitchell, Priscilla Manuelito, Michael Schaaf

Regular Meeting

The board will vote on a consent agenda that includes approving recruitment and signing incentives to attract new teachers, accepting donations of hand sanitizers and masks to two schools, and granting early graduation for six juniors. They will also hear the superintendent's report and hold an executive session for limited personnel matters and superintendent evaluation.

• Approve recruitment/signing incentives to attract new teachers to GMCS
• Accept $5,000 donation of hand sanitizers and masks to Thoreau Mid School from St. Bonaventure Mission
• Accept $5,3000 donation of hand sanitizers and masks to Thoreau Elementary School from St. Bonaventure Mission
• Approve early graduation for six juniors in May 2021
• Convene executive session for personnel matters and superintendent evaluation

Special Meeting

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board will hold a special meeting to render a decision on whether to discharge or reinstate employee Valencia Chato following a hearing. The board will also convene in executive session for the limited personnel matter as allowed by the Open Meetings Act.

• Render Decision on outcome of hearing to discharge or reinstate employee Valencia Chato or continue the hearing
• Executive session for personnel matter regarding Ms. Valencia Chato's discharge hearing

Copy of Special Meeting

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board will hold a special meeting to render a decision on the outcome of a discharge hearing for employee Ms. Valencia Chato. The board will also convene an executive session under the Open Meetings Act to discuss the personnel matter and receive legal counsel. The meeting includes procedural items such as call to order, pledges, roll call, and approval of the agenda.

• Render decision on outcome of hearing to discharge or reinstate employee Valencia Chato
• Executive session for limited personnel matter regarding Ms. Valencia Chato's employment
• Discussion with legal counsel on conducting the personnel hearing

Regular Meeting

The Gallup‑McKinley County Schools board approved a revenue bond package to fund the construction of eight teacher housing units in Ramah, seeking $5,745,000 from the New Mexico Finance Authority. The board also adopted a one‑time $1,000 retention addenda for all employees, acknowledged receipt of the 2019/2020 audit report, and approved a permanent cash transfer between fund codes 90000 and 23000. Several consent‑agenda items, including the district financials and multiple construction bids, were approved by a single motion.

• Approval of $5,745,000 revenue bond to complete eight teacher housing units in Ramah
• One‑time $1,000 retention addenda for all GMCS employees (estimated $1.7 million payout)
• Permanent cash transfer request moving funds from account 90000 to 23000
• Consent agenda approval of GMCS financials and bids for Ramah teacher housing, irrigation, playgrounds, OSMO learning system, and roof repairs
• Acknowledgment of receipt of the 2019/2020 audit report for Gallup‑McKinley County Schools

The Board approved a one-time $1,000 retention addenda for all employees except the Superintendent. Other actions included authorizing revenue bonds for teacher housing in Ramah and acknowledging the 2019/2020 audit report.

• Approved $1,000 one-time retention addenda for all employees excluding Superintendent (4-0)
• Approved resolution to issue revenue bonds for Teacherage Housing in Ramah NM (4-0)
• Acknowledged receipt of 2019/2020 Audit Report (4-0)
• Approved Permanent Cash Transfer per NM PED form 994 (4-0)
• Approved GMCS Financials (5-0)
• Approved report on bids, proposals, and use of existing contracts (5-0)
• Approved February 22, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0)

Regular Meeting

The board will vote on a consent agenda covering multiple items: budget adjustments, bids for network upgrades and equipment, adoption of ELA/Spanish/ELD textbooks for grades 9-12, acceptance of a $10,000 donation of 3D printer kits from Sandia National Labs, and a renewal MOU with Navajo Nation Head Start for special education services. The board will also hear reports on in-person learning, COVID-19 vaccination clinics, and a state assessment waiver. An executive session is scheduled to discuss personnel and litigation matters.

• Approval of $10,000 donation of 3D printer kits and curriculum to Miyamura High and Gallup High from Sandia National Labs
• Adoption of textbooks and instructional materials for ELA, Spanish, and ELD for grades 9-12 for 2021-2022
• Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Navajo Nation Head Start Program for special education services (March 2021–June 2025)
• Approval of bids: Network Infrastructure Upgrade, LIT Fiber Service, New Telehandler, Humanoid Social Robots for ASD students
• Approval of Leave of Absence for Kristin Schmidt from March 2021–January 2022 for military deployment

The Board approved a consent agenda covering financial reports, instructional materials, and a $10,000 donation of 3D printer kits. Members also voted to withdraw the Navajo Nation Consultation Proposal. The meeting included reports on COVID-19 vaccinations, transportation, and athletics.

• Approved January 11, 2021 minutes (5-0)
• Approved GMCS Financials via consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved bids, proposals, and use of existing contracts via consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved Doctoral Research Request for Ms. Viola Hoskie via consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved 9-12 grade ELA, Spanish, and ELD textbooks for 2021-2022 via consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved $10,000 donation of 3D Printer Kits and R4 Creating Curriculum from Sandia National Labs (5-0)
• Approved MOU between GMCS and Navajo Nation Head Start Program via consent agenda (5-0)
• Approved McKinley County Hazzard Mitigation Plan via consent agenda (5-0)

Regular Meeting

The board will consider approving the McKinley County Hazard Mitigation Plan. They will also vote on consent agenda items including financial adjustments for the 2020-2021 budget and payment of current bills. The meeting includes a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters and pending litigation.

• Approval of 2020-2021 budget decreases/increases and intra/inter-transfers
• Approval of current bills for operational, federal projects, food services, and other
• Approval of doctoral research request by Viola Hoskie through Fielding Graduate University
• Consideration of McKinley County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Executive session for discussion of litigation and personnel matters

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education will consider a consent agenda including professional development bids, budget adjustments, and an employee leave of absence. The meeting also includes reports from the Superintendent and upcoming school calendar notices.

• Professional Development College & Career Readiness, Linked Learning Pathways bid award
• 2020-2021 Budget Decrease, Increase, and Adjustment Requests
• Approval of December 14, 2020 meeting minutes
• Employee leave of absence without pay