Board approves MOU with Frontera Health to bring ABA and early‑intervention services to district

The Taos Municipal Schools board approved a memorandum of understanding with Frontera Health New Mexico LLC to provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) and early‑intervention services to students and families at district sites.

Dr. Sherry Malake, the district’s director of exceptional programs, described the MOU as a partnership to identify and serve students who need ABA‑style therapy and early‑intervention supports. "The services would target clients and students at early year through an early intervention and an ABA program where the clients are given the best chance to thrive across all settings," Malake said.

Officials said the provider will hire clinicians and technicians to work on campus and provide training and family supports. The agreement was described as having no cost to the district; Frontera will bill Medicaid and other payers for services. Superintendent Dr. Antonio Layton recommended approval on that basis.

Board Member Concha moved to approve the MOU; Board Member King seconded. The motion passed on a voice roll call: Concha — yes; King — yes; Secretary Trujillo — yes; Vice President Sprague — yes; President Flores — yes.

Administrators said the MOU aims to improve access to assessments and services for families who otherwise would travel to Albuquerque. The district will not directly pay for services under this agreement and will coordinate space and scheduling with Frontera staff. The board asked staff to provide implementation details about logistics and parental consent procedures at a follow‑up meeting.