Raton school board hears $630,000 in capital requests, transportation director warns of fire‑marshal failures

The Raton Board of Education on Oct. 21 heard presentations on proposed capital projects that together would total $630,000, and the district transportation director said parts of the bus‑barn complex failed a recent State Fire Marshal inspection.

Ms. Baird presented the district's proposed 2025 Capital Outlay Requests, asking the board to consider: $350,000 for Tiger Stadium infrastructure to cover press‑box maintenance and repairs, abatement of a water cannon and installation of a sprinkler system for the football field, track repairs, paving the front of the stadium and restroom upgrades; $130,000 to replace aging activity vehicles; and $150,000 to renovate the bus barn and replace the transportation office with an unused portable classroom, including utility infrastructure, security cameras and lighting. President Jason Phillips asked that the item be placed on the next board meeting agenda under action items for further consideration.

Transportation Director Nicolas Cardenas told the board the transportation office requires multiple repairs and upgrades and that a State Fire Marshal inspection on Sept. 19 resulted in several areas graded as "fail," which the director said will be corrected. Cardenas presented contractor estimates for assorted repairs and renovations ranging from about $9,000 to $168,000 and provided separate quotes of roughly $5,000 to $42,000 to move and hook up a portable classroom at the current transportation site.

Citing code concerns and the Fire Marshal recommendation, Cardenas urged the board to consider replacing the single‑wide trailer used for the transportation office and invited members to inspect the bus barn in person. "I would like to see the transportation department look professional," he said, and asked board members to visit the bus barn at their convenience.

The presentations followed earlier public comments from high‑school students. Student Senate Representative Gabriela Vega reported on homecoming activities and a student survey, saying "the consensus is that it was a very successful Homecoming." Senior Tierra Garrett asked the board to consider an outdoor graduation at Tiger Stadium; President Phillips said there are several factors to weigh before any decision.

The district did not take final action on the capital outlay requests at the Oct. 21 meeting; the board asked staff to return the proposal as an action item at the next regular meeting for formal consideration.