District details security upgrades, single‑point entry and campus repairs at Taos High and elementary schools

Taos Municipal Schools officials described a string of safety and facilities improvements at Taos High School and elementary campuses and said work will continue to expand camera coverage, fencing and staffing.

Director Marcos J. Herrera told the board Taos High now has a single, controlled entry with a security desk and an electronic door that limits unsupervised access. "Taos High School now has a 1 way entry into the front," Herrera said. "You're in...there's actually no reason to go into the front because you've gotta check‑in...we have prepared a canopy so no one's getting wet." He said the changes are intended to improve visitor screening and comfort at check‑in.

Herrera reported the district installed AI‑enabled cameras at the three elementary schools and added camera coverage at sports fields and other outdoor sites. He credited bus camera systems with helping the district review incidents and said the transportation team can now view footage quickly.

At Ranchos Elementary, the district completed a gym ribbon cutting and replacement roofing and installed perimeter fencing to reduce trespass and dog incidents; staff said the fence and gating make unauthorized entry far more difficult. At Taos High School the auxiliary gym has entered a second work phase and crews started installing roofing; Herrera said he was monitoring contractor performance and expected further updates at the board’s next meeting.

Staff discussed staffing for safety positions. Herrera said the district expects to fill one more safety position to reach one staff member per site plus roving coverage for two elementaries; he described temporary staffing models and ongoing recruitment. Board members asked about vape and odor detectors for bathrooms; Herrera said the district is researching vendors and calibration issues and will return with recommendations.

No vote was required. The board asked staff for ongoing briefings and for written estimates on outstanding roofing and gym projects and the status of camera installs and staffing.