Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Actions And Administration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rio Rancho board accepts donation of six 'buddy benches,' approves calendar and superintendent evaluation; first reading to repeal tobacco policy
Summary
At its April 14 meeting the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education approved a donation of six buddy benches and a renovated portable classroom for Ernest Stapleton Elementary, adopted the 2025–26 board calendar, approved the superintendent’s evaluation and held a first reading to repeal board policy 7‑12.
The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education approved several routine and administrative items during its April 14 meeting, including acceptance of a donation from Leadership Sandoval County, adoption of the 2025–26 board meeting calendar and approval of the superintendent’s annual evaluation.
Donation accepted: The board unanimously approved a donation from Leadership Sandoval County that includes six “buddy benches” to be placed at Ernest Stapleton Elementary and a fully renovated portable classroom with a new HVAC unit that the school is already using as a testing center. Chris Johnson, RioTech principal, described the project and said PlayWell and TLC completed the work; facilities staff will install the benches over the summer so they are in place for the 2025–26 school year. Jessica Tyler moved to accept the donation; Board member Miller seconded; the motion carried.
Other board actions: The board approved its draft 2025–26 meeting calendar (motion by Jessica Tyler; second by Jeff Morgan) and approved the superintendent’s evaluation for the 2024–25 school year (motion by Jessica Tyler; second by Gary Tripp). Both motions passed; the superintendent’s evaluation was recorded by roll call as a unanimous 5-0 vote. The board also approved the consent agenda and prioritized agenda earlier in the meeting; those routine motions passed by voice vote.
Policy first reading: The board received a first reading to repeal board policy 7‑12 (employee use of tobacco products). Legal counsel explained the substantive prohibitions from 7‑12 were incorporated into board policy 7‑11 (drug‑free workplace), so the repeal would remove duplicate language; final action on the repeal will be taken at a subsequent board meeting.
Votes at a glance: - Approve prioritized agenda and proposed time allocation — Motion: Jessica Tyler; second: Gary Tripp; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Approve consent agenda — Motion: Jessica Tyler; second: Jeff Morgan; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Accept donation from Leadership Sandoval County (Ernest Stapleton: 6 buddy benches and renovated portable with HVAC) — Motion: Jessica Tyler; second: Board member Miller; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Approve draft school board calendar 2025–26 — Motion: Jessica Tyler; second: Jeff Morgan; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Approve superintendent’s evaluation (2024–25) — Motion: Jessica Tyler; second: Gary Tripp; outcome: approved (roll call 5-0). - First reading: repeal board policy 7‑12 (employee use of tobacco products) — Presented by legal counsel; final vote deferred to next meeting.
Ending: Board members and the superintendent thanked staff and volunteers. Staff will follow up on donation logistics, calendar finalization and the administrative steps needed to implement the superintendent’s evaluation feedback and to prepare the policy repeal for a second reading.
