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Raton Board approves Narcan policy, contractor background checks and $132,000 iPad purchase
Summary
At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Raton Board of Education approved a policy to store opioid antagonist medication on campus, required background checks for outside contractors, accepted financial reports, authorized a $132,000 purchase of 250 iPads using ARP/CARES Act funds, and approved a temporary transportation agreement with Cimarron Public Schools.
RATON, N.M. — The Raton Board of Education on Monday voted unanimously to adopt several policies and authorize technology and transportation actions for the 2024–25 school year.
The board approved adding language to Policy J-3050 to allow the district to provide and store opioid antagonist medication for the treatment of an opioid overdose and to require training for school personnel involved in the overdose-intervention program. School nurse Nicole Rodriguez told the board the Department of Health (DOH) provides Narcan and that supplies will be kept on school premises in either the nurse's office or the main office. The motion to adopt the change was made by Member Ted Kamp, seconded by Ryan Boone and passed 5-0.
Superintendent Kristie Medina also presented a policy addition requiring outside contractors working within the district to obtain a Raton Public Schools–specific background check. The board approved the contractor background-check policy on a 5-0 vote after a short discussion; the motion was moved by Ryan Boone and seconded by Brenda Ferri.
The board authorized an order to Apple Inc. to replace 250 iPad devices at Longfellow School, citing end-of-life equipment. The replacement devices, which include physical keypads, are expected to cost $132,000 and will be paid for with ARP/CARES Act funds. Ms. Ferri moved the requisition; Mr. Boone seconded and the motion carried 5-0.
Board members also approved the district financial reports for June 2024 and July 2025. Member Ted Kamp expressed concern that the summer gas/utilities bill appeared high; Superintendent Medina said finance staff member Beverly Vukonich will conduct an analysis. The financial reports and any associated budget adjustments or transfers were approved 5-0.
Transportation Director Nick Cardenas described a temporary boundary agreement with Cimarron Public Schools under which Cimarron will pick up certain Raton students as needed (for example, in the event of an accident). The board approved the temporary transportation boundary agreement by a 5-0 vote.
Other informational items during the meeting included principal and director reports: Justin Mattorano said Raton Intermediate School is off to a good start and the after-school pickup process is working out; Maegan Shields described new magnetic reading instruction for K–2 and updated pre-K curriculum; Joleene Starr reported a $25,000 ELA grant, that 7th–8th grades are separated into a newly designated area called the “Summit,” and that roughly 260 people attended RHS jump start; and Mr. Cardenas said his transportation department is fully staffed.
President Jason Phillips asked the board to develop district goals around building safety, math achievement, discipline and improved test scores. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
