Irma Valdispino commemorates educator Beverly Weigel and recognizes staff achievements

The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education meeting on May 20, 2025, highlighted significant developments within the district, including tributes to educators, ongoing negotiations for employee wages, and student achievements.

A poignant moment in the meeting was the announcement of the passing of Beverly Weigel, a respected educator and advocate within the Las Cruces community. Irma Valdispino, President of CYSECO Las Cruces, honored Weigel's legacy, noting her over 30 years of service and her commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovative educational strategies. The board members expressed their condolences and shared memories of Weigel's impact on students and colleagues.

In discussions regarding employee welfare, Valdispino emphasized the ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a living wage for classified employees, who she described as the backbone of the district. She reported that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done before the June 30 deadline, with hopes for wage increases to be implemented by July 15.

The meeting also celebrated student accomplishments, including the recognition of 17 students for their compassion and resilience through a partnership initiative with the city of Las Cruces. These students were honored for their contributions to their schools and communities, showcasing the district's commitment to recognizing not just academic success but also character and community involvement.

Additionally, Superintendent Dr. Ralph Reese provided updates on various district initiatives, including the successful Bilingual Biliteracy Seal Ceremony, which awarded 162 students for their language proficiency. He also highlighted the district's impressive graduation rates, noting significant improvements at several schools.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the upcoming graduation ceremonies for the class of 2025, with six separate events planned to celebrate the achievements of students across the district. As the school year comes to a close, the board expressed gratitude for the hard work of educators and staff, while looking forward to the next academic year.