[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6084237,"mediaKeyId","2919361-cea2cad3eec34bdf187730d76954ebe0","parentId",2919361,"title","Superintendent presents 14-year enrollment decline; board begins rightsizing discussion","audioSeconds",1024,"startMs",9835000,"endMs",10859000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2919361-cea2cad3eec34bdf187730d76954ebe0&start=9835&end=10859","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2919361-cea2cad3eec34bdf187730d76954ebe0/thumbnail_9835000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6084237/New-Mexico/Superintendent-presents-14-year-enrollment-decline-board-begins-rightsizing-discussion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084237-ce6eae6243c373e52fefbd307c0fd50a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164615&Signature=auUGhgkzU59Tvh0-0DKgtdFwtm~zINqvEA5uKZSUA6DHyPFrawH9tA-ZdPf1~NqXZp9KXAnWuzB411WEH7m~pfpdZgzDbdJJjvJzkqKtUy2Oz5z3Admto1FDPT61MKNOn7-POelmMcK98hjImLtRb8nlDNm4H7fA8jnGMy~D3CEJtnQAGS76aLHgms4CxZE64hA~G01wtU7-sPgJ6whj8JpkDT3B3uSE3q1ZxzywgwCVudRz~W7kD6uW2UU0nsTWFNR-51Gx6mfJsssFTcGygvEGGsLU6UNLK5Dw-kwD-Z7IWJ4CL3m5HfQOw6a0uShs6FX9DtQKI~FYZyQVF~VScw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Gadsden Independent Schools","date","2025-04-09T14:35:15.093Z","article","Superintendent Dempsey presented district enrollment trends and urged the board to begin rightsizing discussions as the district completes its middle school construction.

Dempsey said the district has experienced a roughly 17.5% decline in total enrollment over the past 14 years, with the Gadsden High School feeder pattern down about 33% in that period. He walked the board through kindergarten-by-school figures showing kindergarten enrollments fell from about 502 in 2011'12 to roughly 262 in the most recent year, a drop of approximately 48% over 14 years.

Using the Anthony/Loma Linda/Alta Vista area as an example, Dempsey outlined a possible approach to use capacity created by the new Gadsden Middle School construction. He said the current temporary configuration places kindergarten'fourth at Loma Linda and fifth'seventh at Anthony while the construction is underway. When the new middle school is finished, sixth and seventh graders will move off elementary campuses; Dempsey proposed considering shifting grade configurations so Loma Linda could become K'5 and Alta Vista could potentially be relocated to a permanent building, noting Alta Vista currently uses portables.

Board members pressed for specifics. Questions included: the proposed timeline; student-teacher ratios before and after consolidation; how staff positions would move or be protected; parking and traffic effects in the neighborhoods; what would happen to portables; and where cost savings would appear in the budget (FTEs, maintenance, utility savings, or sale/repurposing of portable units). Dempsey said staff would prepare detailed comparisons of past consolidations, student-teacher ratios, cost-savings estimates, and transition plans so the board could inform the community and hold required parent meetings if consolidation were pursued.

Dempsey emphasized the district must present balanced budgets and that cash balance provides time to absorb federal funding uncertainties; he warned that long-term structural deficits typically require position reductions. Board members said they wanted published analyses showing concrete staffing and budget impacts and examples of how prior consolidations were handled so the community could evaluate the options. Dempsey said staff would return with more detailed, feeder-pattern-specific analyses and recommended early outreach and community meetings should the board direct staff to pursue consolidation planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GISD School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Dempsey told the board the district has seen a long-term decline in enrollment and urged early planning to \"rightsize\" schools as the new Gadsden Middle School comes online.","taxTitle","GADSDEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, School Districts, New Mexico","taxId",13254,"location","New Mexico","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6084241,"Gadsden ISD finance committee reviews fund reports, lays out audit RFP schedule",1118,842000,1960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2919361-cea2cad3eec34bdf187730d76954ebe0&start=842&end=1960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2919361-cea2cad3eec34bdf187730d76954ebe0/thumbnail_842000.jpg","/articles/6084241/New-Mexico/Gadsden-ISD-finance-committee-reviews-fund-reports-lays-out-audit-RFP-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084241-69eef100d315fec6beb550409b397cd5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164615&Signature=R7uV1r6q1hygu2~C-4Ubze14O84xatuR7FuAVYhEVB-5gJudVhPMCC7d4yBVXYVsFuNmgk22xwX9Z6SKigZnF~2IGxlwfe-pGbCf~uBMOS38QYTSlY-Ym4zDmsW8hSfzSMNx~Rqv6VEgcPFp0okG6FBTZp-0hASyTY8oG0P5MKQA4muwqprwrB-8CZLHaBnGShPnXtSQi9O-8AAZ0XJxumbRiKrc5O~j-K6S~i5ffUSwcVDmYlUjPyBRjk0aSwK7V49zOZXTsL-I~HQUWYPRXvtwxITeMp7JhMYkZIgnWtpXKr6MTGdKdYOF3FbAYOEPD9iqpGmWcvRooUW3PL48Bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance staff presented the district's monthly expenditure report and reviewed how funds, encumbrances and budget adjustments are recorded.

The committee was told the packet's report covered Feb. 1'Feb. 28, 2025, and staff explained the columns: original budget, adjustments (made by budget adjustment requests, or BARs), general ledger budget, current expenditures, year-to-date expenditures (since the July 1 start of the fiscal year), encumbrances (purchase-order commitments) and remaining budget balance. Staff emphasized encumbrances are commitments, not spent funds, and must be tracked to avoid overspending.

Staff explained the district uses a five-digit fund code scheme. Funds beginning with 1 are general funds (operating, transportation, local revenues); 2-series funds are special revenue (federal or state grants and flow-through grants); 3-series are capital project funds (construction and facilities); and 4-series are debt service. The presenter noted some grant sub-series (for example, 24x) indicate federal flow-through via the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED).

Committee members asked about specific line items discussed in the packet. Staff pointed to a $300,000 legislative junior appropriation (noted in the packet as 314-series) and reported about $113,000 had been spent. Staff also explained encumbered dollars and that many funds cannot be used for salaries (capital outlay funds, for example).

On procurement of the independent public accountant, staff said the district posted an RFP on March 26 using the auditors' RFP template and had received the state-auditor-vetted list of approved firms (the Office of the State Auditor provides a preapproved list). The finance director outlined the selection timeline: the audit committee will evaluate proposals using a scoring matrix; the committee meeting to score proposals was scheduled for April 17, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. (committee members must be present to participate). Staff said an unsigned copy of the contract must be submitted to the Office of the State Auditor by May 1; no contract is final until the Office of the State Auditor approves it. The district's annual financial audit is due Nov. 15.

Committee members asked whether multiyear contracts are permitted. Staff said contracts are typically annual but may include options to extend (up to three years in the contract language), and the Office of the State Auditor sets limits on how long a district may keep the same auditor (staff said the current limit is eight years).

Staff proposed postponing the May finance committee meeting to accommodate budget work and recommended the next finance committee meeting in early June; members discussed calendar conflicts and the upcoming board schedule.

The finance presenter closed by saying the next finance meeting would cover the account code string and functions (how budget transactions are coded and how BARs move dollars between functions), to build committee literacy for budget review.","Finance staff walked the committee through the district's expenditure report, explained fund numbering and encumbrances, and described the request-for-proposal process to hire the district's independent public accountant for the 2025 audit, including review dates and Office of the State Auditor deadlines.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6084226,"Board votes: agenda, minutes, consent, graduation policy and school actions approved",20510,5160000,25670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2919361-cea2cad3eec34bdf187730d76954ebe0&start=5160&end=25670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2919361-cea2cad3eec34bdf187730d76954ebe0/thumbnail_5160000.jpg","/articles/6084226/New-Mexico/Board-votes-agenda-minutes-consent-graduation-policy-and-school-actions-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084226-2652573aeb6d3ebbb27d947b508635d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164615&Signature=KmqhShaUgLKJ-BAdAxfVy5av3tIGGlYeUdRo9LNLe6~W2e3TfC9DMtXvqj7wZEDB0XhD9LP~6t-RauIIpxsny~wBaJSsQUnPZOvzAp39cUfVsVPkUp89vBMvkumJ8~UoXgndVP8rvntdcnCRPfZjfLs0BpD8c4tAPTBncdmRhIYHxgRbasN12QYyKCYIDsjDUMWVBtdMgdA0JqRS0BZw96ve1TU0Hx07tVdnPqooq4j6fNf87sjqSxjyI1ntrNxuSpJpS65ol8bVtBdgmJMHJq-UuTEiNL-Eh9ViFAhCpzZW9H-5jjfZ7r2YjhXwDFISy0M--yFVZjNjzZmtnIc5Sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board approved several routine and substantive items during the April 8 meeting.

Key outcomes

- Agenda and minutes: The board voted to accept the meeting agenda as presented and approved the regular and special meeting minutes for March 20 and March 27, 2025 (motions carried unanimously on voice votes).

- Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda, which included routine items and a banking resolution to update authorized signatories following recent board reorganization.

- Policy IKF (graduation requirements): The board approved the second reading of policy IKF (graduation requirements). Presenters noted two clarifying edits: a waiver process for students transferring from out-of-state or non-PED schools and language clarifying which ESSA high-school assessments count toward required assessments. The rule change was adopted on the board's motion.

- Utility easement for El Paso Electric: The board granted access for El Paso Electric to install an underground service to power the sewage lift station at the new Gadsden Middle School site (northwest corner). Staff stressed the service will be underground rather than overhead; the motion passed.

- Santa Teresa Elementary uniform policy: The board approved a schoolwide uniform policy for the 2025'6 school year after staff reported results of a parent survey: of the sample surveyed, a majority supported a polo-and-slacks uniform; Santa Teresa Foundation indicated willingness to assist families in need. Board members asked staff to develop plans for free-dress/fundraising exceptions and supports for low-income families. The motion passed.

Other board business included scheduling a May 16 budget workshop and a May 28 budget submission deadline and directing staff follow-ups on items including consolidation analyses and transparency in hiring. The meeting recessed into and returned from a closed session for a limited personnel matter.","At its April 8 meeting the Gadsden ISD board approved the meeting agenda, minutes, the consent agenda and a set of action items including graduation-requirements policy IKF (second reading), an El Paso Electric utility easement for the new Gadsden Middle School lift station, and a uniform policy for Santa Teresa Elementary.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6084229,"HR details vetting, interview and onboarding steps; board asks for transparency on nepotism and hiring decisions",1511,12660000,14171000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2919361-cea2cad3eec34bdf187730d76954ebe0&start=12660&end=14171","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2919361-cea2cad3eec34bdf187730d76954ebe0/thumbnail_12660000.jpg","/articles/6084229/New-Mexico/HR-details-vetting-interview-and-onboarding-steps-board-asks-for-transparency-on-nepotism-and-hiring-decisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084229-3cf99641cfdfa473a5003b6a5424e7bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164615&Signature=E6jCJOjwAYftbKYynwzMhl~i1yoV0YKvSdWM8RsM8PwTgmeKSFCCDueq1CKh9ScWAHQ45Ma5vMabMY5vLZ80VQRLptqfQMzjgOBr6Sd6ct66vtywrUziWqSugLS~rGIN~efpT~HKraDF8NT2NHtFRIn~wok238nq9r5JZbgbsw0u5qi4zhQh5wjVScxS0Ai6QRiyX-m6pcXUyI4Ff94DULtjycFjQGLXsI~rfz2R6alViktmmkAe5e4ATrqccerq04JkqZHqY8q5JF6irwGYFFAPcXnCrZ9ApTymXdQXbkhoUrFrZSn-mul11YtXPyuWx0O4yxeNV7LLI5Enr-fPRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Human resources director Alejandra Burciaga (presenting) reviewed the district's applicant screening, interview and onboarding procedures and answered questions about transparency and safeguards.

Burciaga said the district's hiring platform (NeoEd) posts vacancies broadly and HR conducts initial clearance before applicants appear to administrators for interview. Committees for interviews must be odd-numbered and have at least three members; HR reviews proposed committee membership and the interview questions in advance to ensure appropriate representation (for example, bilingual representatives when hiring for bilingual positions). Committee members sign a confidentiality agreement before interviewing.

For scoring, HR described a force-rank approach used for about three years. Committee members compare candidates pairwise (\"would I hire candidate A or B?\") and the system assigns points to create a ranked list; the highest ranked candidate is normally recommended. HR said the forced-rank method reduces the chance that a single panelist can \"tank\" a candidate by giving low numeric ratings across many rubric items.

HR outlined pre-employment checks: fingerprint/background checks, and the New Mexico House Bill 128 questionnaire (staff called it a \"do-not-pass-the-trash\" measure) that asks previous employers about misconduct or investigations involving minors. If HB128 responses raise concerns, the district stops the hiring process and proceeds to the next candidate. HR described the onboarding steps: account and system access, vectors (mandatory policy modules), benefits enrollment, physical badge issuance and a probationary period (one year for hourly employees, two years for certified/salaried employees).

Board members asked several detailed questions. They requested: (1) a future presentation on \"transparency in hiring decisions\" that explains what information the public can see about hiring (HR said it would consult with the superintendent and legal counsel to determine what can be released); (2) clarification of nepotism checks and how conflicts of interest are detected and handled (HR said the application includes a disclosures section and HR reviews committees and documentation before interviews); (3) how bilingual roles are evaluated during interviews (HR said some campuses do require Spanish-language responses and that HR ensures bilingual committee members are present); and (4) whether having a standing interview panel would improve consistency (HR and Dempsey noted tradeoffs and possible complaints if certain employees were always on panels; HR agreed to explore the idea).

HR said current vacancy levels are low for this time of year (about a dozen teacher vacancies) and that broad recruiting and use of the hiring platform have helped keep vacancies lower than in nearby districts.

Board members asked HR to return with a transparency presentation that addresses nepotism policy and what aspects of hiring decisions can be published without violating personnel confidentiality.","HR presented the district's clearance and interview process, including background checks, House Bill 128 questionnaires, a forced-ranking interview method and onboarding steps. Board members asked for further detail on transparency, nepotism controls, bilingual candidate evaluation and whether a standing interview panel is feasible.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent presents 14-year enrollment decline; board begins rightsizing discussion

Gadsden ISD finance committee reviews fund reports, lays out audit RFP schedule

Board votes: agenda, minutes, consent, graduation policy and school actions approved

HR details vetting, interview and onboarding steps; board asks for transparency on nepotism and hiring decisions