Taos school board adopts Tiwa language instruction policy

The Taos Municipal School Board of Education voted to adopt a policy establishing a Tiwa language program in district schools during a special meeting on Jan. 28, 2025.

The board approved the second reading of policy IF-2950, titled "Tiwa language program and instruction," which affirms Taos Municipal Schools' commitment to work with Taos Pueblo on a Tiwa-language curriculum delivered by licensed Tiwa-language instructors.

Doctor Layton, addressing the board during the second reading, recommended approval: "I recommend that the second reading of the board policy ... be approved as presented and adopted for policy." The policy text read at the meeting says the program will be offered "in collaboration with the Taos Pueblo" and will follow Taos Pueblo guidelines for content and use of the Tiwa language in public schools.

Board member Miss Concho moved to approve the policy; another board member seconded. The motion passed on a roll call with board members answering in the affirmative, including Board member Quanta, Board member King, Secretary Trujillo and Vice President Sprague. The board declared the policy adopted.

The policy was presented as a second reading; the text read at the meeting states Taos Municipal Schools and the Taos Municipal School Board of Education "are committed to supporting the revitalization" of the language and that instruction will be delivered by licensed Tiwa-language instructors under guidelines agreed with Taos Pueblo.

The board did not specify implementation dates or the number of instructor positions in the motion recorded at the meeting. No amendments were proposed during the discussion.

The board moved on to consent items after adopting the policy; the meeting agenda listed follow-up items and upcoming workshops for the district.