Superintendent reports rising graduation rates, Lexile gains and budget allocations; board approves routine budget and program items

Superintendent Dr. Cohen presented a broad administrative update to the Jemez Valley Public Schools board covering student achievement data, system upgrades and funding allocations.

Dr. Cohen highlighted cohort graduation-rate figures and said the district’s four‑year cohort rate has risen; specific numbers discussed in the meeting included earlier cohort figures around 71.5% and later reports to roughly 85.5%, with a near-96% figure cited for a separate cohort in superintendent remarks. She also reviewed Lexile and Achieve3000 results: among 210 students in one analysis the district’s average score was 73.6 with measured Lexile-growth trends showing steady month-to-month gains and only about 17% classified as college- and career-ready by that Lexile measure.

The superintendent described data-integration work with Panorama and an upcoming transition from Skyward to a new student information system intended to improve parent and staff access to grades, attendance and registration. She also outlined safety infrastructure work, noting the fire marshal’s visit related to annual checks but clarifying that final approval of a fire-alarm replacement remains outstanding.

On finances, the business/finance team reported that budget preparation has begun; the district’s membership count used for budgeting rose (from 276.5 to 295.75), which improves funding projections. Dr. Cohen walked the board through planned allocations in the unified budget application: Title I funds prioritized for salaries/benefits to reduce class size, supplemental instructional materials, tutoring, homeless set-asides and family engagement; Title II funds for teacher professional development and mentorship; and IDEA-B funds for special education staffing, transportation and evaluation resources. She also said the Federal Office of Special Education identified the district as meeting standards for special education for the 24–25 year, with corrective action reported in another program area (CTE).

The board considered and approved several routine agenda items during the meeting: support for a master's research study (with participant pseudonyms and signed consents), the annual part-time resolution to ensure benefits for part-time employees, an asset-disposal list, and two community bus requests. The board moved and approved the consent agenda by roll-call voice responses.

The superintendent said the district has a contract with Success for All for an intensive elementary literacy intervention and is seeking to revise the CLNA per PED feedback to remain eligible for CTE funding next year. Staff also noted awarded PED high-impact tutoring initially for grades 3–8 will be extended to grades 1–2 following district discussions.

The board set the next meeting for April 21 and announced two items slated for executive session.