Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Independence High Restructuring topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Independence High School given state‑backed restructuring plan to boost graduation; board approves
Summary
Independence High School principal Jessica Sanchez presented a state‑endorsed restructuring plan the board approved May 11; the plan adds one hour to each school day, monthly Saturday sessions and a three‑week teacher coaching cycle to address attendance and credit recovery for students.
The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education approved a restructuring plan for Independence High School at its May 11 meeting after a detailed presentation from Principal Jessica Sanchez.
Sanchez described the student population and the barriers many face — students working long hours, young parents and students caring for siblings — and said the highest failure rates occur in first and second period classes. To address that reality, the plan increases student access to instruction by adding one hour to the school day every day and instituting monthly Saturday sessions that together amount to roughly 10 additional instructional days beyond summer school. "So we're extending the school day by 1 hour every day... We are adding Saturday school to every month," Sanchez said.
The plan includes three pillars: expanded time (extended daily hours and Saturdays), teacher talent development (three‑week coaching cycles with classroom filming and feedback) and proactive, data‑driven student support (weekly data teams to deploy immediate interventions). Sanchez said staff and state partners will fund the additional hours under the application; she told the board the state had agreed restructuring was appropriate because the school is making gains and needs time to continue its upward trajectory.
Board members asked questions about staffing, funding and monitoring. Dr. Dodd, the superintendent, and other board members emphasized oversight and asked for a follow‑up report; President Galbraith requested a check‑in next summer to review early implementation results. The board moved and approved the restructuring proposal; the meeting transcript records the motion and the board's approval. The plan targets activation on July 1 contingent on final paperwork and state approval.
What changes and why - Time: one additional period per day and monthly Saturday sessions to provide live classes, credit recovery and small‑group support for students who chronically miss early periods due to work, childcare or other barriers. - Talent: three‑week coaching cycles where teachers film practice, set professional goals and receive regular feedback from instructional leaders. - Data and supports: weekly data meetings to identify students at risk and deploy immediate interventions, plus continued grant‑funded mental health services and aligned community supports.
Next steps and oversight The superintendent and Independence High leadership will submit required assurances and finalize application paperwork; the district requested a board follow‑up around August 2027 to review effects on attendance, credit recovery and graduation metrics.
