Raton Board approves financial report, travel reimbursements changes and NMDOT grant‑extension resolution

At its Oct. 21 meeting the Raton Board of Education approved routine financial items, adopted updates to its travel reimbursement form for fiscal year 2025, and authorized a resolution to apply for an extension of a New Mexico Department of Transportation grant.

The board voted 4‑0 to accept the financial report and the proposed budget adjustments and transfers presented by staff. Ted Kamp moved for approval; Brenda Ferri seconded.

On the FY25 travel reimbursement form, Ms. Baird highlighted three substantive changes the board approved: reimbursing 20% of meal tips up to a maximum of $11.80; requiring Superintendent approval for lodging expenses that exceed $215 per night (including taxes and fees); and extending the exemption for using a school vehicle so that board members and the superintendent may claim 100% of standard mileage reimbursement when a school vehicle is not used. Ryan Boone moved to approve the revised form; Ted Kamp seconded. The motion carried 4‑0.

The board also approved Resolution 2024‑05, an application to NMDOT District IV for an extension of Grant Agreement L400652. Ted Kamp moved to adopt the resolution; Ryan Boone seconded, and the motion carried 4‑0. President Jason Phillips described the item as an application for an extension of the referenced grant agreement.

Other procedural items on the agenda were handled without controversy: the board approved the Sept. 16, 2024 minutes (motion by Ryan Boone, second by Ted Kamp) and approved the meeting agenda (motion by Ted Kamp, second by Brenda Ferri). President Phillips announced there was nothing to discuss during the scheduled executive‑session item under the New Mexico Open Meetings Act, and the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Votes at a glance: all listed motions on the Oct. 21 agenda carried by 4‑0 votes with one member absent.