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Principals praise improved attendance, literacy interventions and community‑school supports
Summary
Principals from Judy Nelson, Ojo Amarillo and Kirtland Middle told the board about attendance above district averages, targeted interventions (high‑dosage tutoring, 95% materials, Agile Mind, ASU partnerships), and community‑school activities that support families and after‑school learning.
Three school principals gave classroom‑level reports that highlighted higher attendance, targeted reading interventions, expanded after‑school work and community schools activity.
At Judy Nelson (Presentation by Principal Carlson in remarks relayed during the meeting), staff described inclusion practices for students with intensive needs (individual assistants in mainstream classes and specials) and noted a 93 percent on‑time figure for that school's 478 students. The principal connected extra daily instructional minutes and the school's use of Agile Mind math curriculum to steady gains at grade‑level in math.
Ojo Amarillo Principal Phyllis Maestas said 100 percent of Ojo staff completed Capturing Kids' Hearts training and pointed to expanded high‑dosage tutoring and after‑school tutoring supported by 95% reading materials. She reported reductions in discipline referrals, participation in a district science fair (60 participants), and local family engagement events; Ojo will reapply for a Community Schools grant and coordinate with Kirtland Middle School for transitions.
Kirtland Middle School Principal Sherilyn Lee and Assistant Principal Vanessa Hurley told the board KMS exited Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) status, reinstated student council and extracurriculars (robotics, FFA alignments), and reported middle‑of‑year IMSa growth in reading and math. They described community‑school coordinator Janice Denney's role in bringing food, clothing and after‑school resources, and noted vaping and student behavior as continuing challenges but with incidents reduced via education and a two‑day course offered to students caught with vapes.
Board members and attendees commended the focus on high expectations, school culture and family engagement. Principals were asked to continue sharing school‑level data with the board and to work with district teams on attendance, technology (Starlink backup references) and targeted supports for ELL and students with disabilities. No board action was taken; these were informational presentations.
