Tularosa principals report strong early attendance; parents raise concerns about activity-bus drop-offs

School leaders reported a strong start to the academic year and described staffing, enrollment and operational adjustments during the board's "Principal's report."

A pre-K presenter said the district received funding for 50 pre-K slots and registered 52 children. Teachers are conducting home visits or virtual meetings to build family connections, and the program is piloting family-style dining inside classrooms as supplies arrive.

At the elementary level, staff reported 184 students across kindergarten through second grade (56 kindergarteners, 53 first-graders and 75 second-graders) and said five-day attendance averaged about 96% in the first week. The elementary is also seeking volunteer readers and two volunteers to assist with hydroponic planters.

Administrators praised new routines and cross-campus collaboration. A high-school official (Mr. Burke) described the Student Success Center, an alternative setting that registered its first student and will offer a restorative approach to credit recovery and re-engagement.

During public comment, a parent urged the district to address activity-bus drop-offs where students are being left at a single location at night with no adult present. Aiden Nesfima, who identified himself as a tribal public information officer and a school-board member in his own jurisdiction, offered to post a notice on tribal channels and the tribe's website to remind families that drivers will not wait and to encourage timely pickups.

Superintendent Lindsay said staff will follow up with the transportation team to explore safer drop-off options and communication to parents. Board members and staff also discussed bus route adjustments and temporary coverage amid a driver shortage.