The Taos Municipal Schools board voted unanimously to accept the return of 37 artworks now held at the Harwood Museum and to place seven of those works — one at each school and one in the district boardroom — with the remainder stored in climate‑controlled facilities.

The artworks are governed by a 2012 loan agreement. Superintendent Dr. Antonio Layton Jr. told the board that “the collection shall be returned to the lender upon 60 days written notice,” citing page 2, section 2 of that agreement and saying district attorneys had drafted the notice the district will deliver to the Harwood Museum.

Board members and community presenters described a Harwood‑produced condition report cataloging 99 pieces in museum storage and classifying them by condition and museum mission. The presentation, led by Miss Colerio and former board member Whitney Golair, said the Harwood categorized pieces into green and light‑green (museum plans to retain and restore), and white and red (items the museum is willing to release because they do not fit the museum’s mission or because of condition). Miss Colerio asked the board to approve returning the white and red items; she said, “We’re asking approval from the board to return the artwork listed in the white and red categories and to place them in the storage unit.”

Board members discussed where the works would be displayed and how they would be stored. The district plans to place one piece in the lobby or another public location at each of the six school sites and one in the boardroom, with the balance to be kept in climate‑controlled storage. Superintendent Layton said attorneys had prepared the 60‑day written request needed under the loan agreement. The board and staff also discussed fundraising to pay for conservation: the presenters said money raised from a planned benefit would be used to “conserve the better pieces,” and that the Harwood had prioritized which works should be conserved first.

The board voted on a motion by Board Member Concha, seconded by Board Member King, to approve returning the 37 pieces to the district pursuant to the 2012 agreement. The roll call recorded votes of Concha — yes; King — yes; Secretary Trujillo — yes; Vice President Sprague — yes; President Flores — yes. The motion passed unanimously.

Officials said practical steps remain: the district will sign and send the drafted notice to the Harwood, identify and lease a climate‑controlled storage unit (the board must authorize any lease), and secure insurance coverage. Staff said crates and elevated pallets will be used to keep works off the floor and that the Harwood will continue to make images available on its website. Presenters also said valuations in the Harwood file date from 2012 and that the district will research current market values if it pursues any future sales as part of fundraising.

The board’s action authorizes the superintendent and staff to proceed with the written notice and logistics required to move the pieces back to district custody; it does not change the 2012 loan term or the museum’s retained collection. The board also asked staff to provide details on storage location, insurance, and a conservation funding plan at a future meeting.