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Board adopts grading-policy language changes, wireless-device rules, water-safety guidance and FY25 addenda
Summary
The Gallup-McKinley County Schools board approved a set of policy updates including revised grading assessment language, adoption of student wireless-communication-device rules consistent with state statutes, written guidance for student water safety under House Bill 532 (2025), and FY25 athletics/addenda items.
The Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education approved multiple policy and addenda items during the meeting.
Grading assessment policy: District staff presented minor revisions to the grading assessment policy that do not change letter-grade scales but change descriptive labels for K–2 and unify the grade-3–12 scale with consistent language. Staff said the new descriptors will read novice, nearing proficient, proficient and advanced to align district language with state assessment terminology. The presenter said there are no changes to the actual grading scales or numeric cutoffs.
Wireless communications and water-safety guidance: District staff presented policies that align with state statutes cited in the packet. The wireless-communications policy was tied to statutory language and cross-referenced the student behavior handbook; staff noted the district will update handbook language to align with statutory definitions and that instructional time should be free from device distractions. Staff also presented written guidance for student water safety required by legislation (referenced in the meeting as House Bill 532, 2025 session) and told the board the district will adopt the guidance as presented.
Addenda/FY25 athletics and activities: The board approved the FY25 addenda for athletics and activities; presenters said there were no changes from last year.
Roll-call results recorded in the transcript include a recorded abstention by Priscilla Benally on the grading-policy vote because of a missing handout page; other motions were approved by majority roll call. Board members asked clarifying questions about coaching-addenda limits and whether cultural-sensitivity training curriculum is used for new staff; staff said mentorship and training remain required by the state and the district will preserve training even if federal funds change.
Motions and approvals were made during the “new business” section of the meeting; all approvals were handled by roll call as recorded in the meeting transcript.
