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Parent praises HOTT community-service program, says it kept son on track
Summary
A Hobbs parent gave public comment supporting the HOTT School Community Service Program, describing how restorative options and community-service requirements helped his son avoid academic disruption and complete assigned goals.
HOBBS — A parent addressed the Hobbs Municipal Schools board during public comment to urge continued support for the HOTT School Community Service Program, saying the program’s restorative approach allowed his son to complete community-service goals and stay in career-technical classes.
The speaker described being called to the school after an incident that produced a trespass and vandalism allegation. He said school staff, including Donna Jones, presented students with options — attendance and grade requirements, alternate-school placement, or probationary community service — and that his son chose a community-service path tied to vetted programs. "I'm glad there's this program that's being brought forward," the parent told the board, describing a follow-up meeting and saying the district gave students two to three options and helped them connect to agencies and vetted placements.
Donna Jones, who responded during the meeting, said she had worked with community partners such as Habitat for Humanity and the Justice House and that the program emphasizes restorative practice, community engagement and meaningful service hours rather than simply logging time. Jones told the board that five students had been assigned community service up through December and that four had completed their hours.
The parent said the program prevented his son from being pulled out of welding and other CareerTech coursework and allowed him to meet academic goals without suspension. He offered to help with community outreach and to serve on a board to find vetted service placements if the district wanted community input.
No formal board action was taken on the public comment; the speaker and Jones characterized the program as early in development and subject to tweaks and further refinement.
