Deming board reviews first reading to retain K‑2 literacy notifications, shift conferences to 'parent‑requested'

At a Dec. 18 first reading the board reviewed proposed policy updates to align district practice with changes in New Mexico law on literacy reporting while preserving communication practices for early grades.

Assistant director Wyman and Miss Reinhardt explained the district will continue sending written midyear literacy notifications for K‑2 students even though the state no longer mandates them. The proposal would change the midyear literacy conference from a mandatory meeting to an option that parents may request; the district plans to distribute the written notice before the regularly scheduled February parent‑teacher conferences so families can discuss results during that existing conference rather than scheduling a separate appointment.

Trustees asked how the district will ensure parents receive mailed letters, noting address changes and returned mail. Wyman said the district will mail notices, track returns to sender and have schools follow up directly when mail is returned; the district said letters will also be translated into parents’ home languages. Trustees also questioned ambiguous wording in the draft (specifically phrasing about notifying "no later than the end of the second scheduled parent conference"); staff agreed to clarify that language in the next reading and to consider whether intervention‑specific details belong in the letter or in a parent‑teacher conference.

Miss Crumley cautioned that removing individualized intervention explanations from the written notification could leave parents without needed information; Wyman said the letter will explain percentile and assessment results but interventions are individualized and better discussed during a conference.

The item was presented as a first reading; no formal vote on policy adoption occurred at the meeting.