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Taos County approves joint powers agreement to form Community Schools Coalition
Summary
The Taos County Commission voted to approve a joint powers agreement establishing the Taos County Community Schools Coalition board with the county, town, school district and Pueblos as founding partners; initial funding will come from county and town budgets, a private foundation and in-kind contributions while an executive director is hired.
The Taos County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a joint powers agreement to establish the Taos County Community Schools Coalition and a governing board to coordinate community-school services across the county.
County manager Jaramillo told commissioners the agreement formalizes nearly two years of planning and brings together the county, Town of Taos, Taos Municipal School District, Taos Pueblo and Picuris Pueblo as founding partners; Penasco was invited but was not expected to contribute funds in the first year. Manager Jaramillo said the coalition grew out of volunteer work and the 100% Taos County action team and is intended to spread a community-school model countywide. "This has been a long process to get to this point," he said.
Commissioners and speakers highlighted the model's focus on student supports—food, clothing and family services—and its volunteer roots. Penny Holland, identified by the commission as a co‑facilitator of the 100% Taos County action team, said the coalition aims to support children and families and that initial staffing and fundraising will be priorities. "We're very excited that this is happening," Holland said.
The agreement provides that the county will act as the fiscal agent and create a community schools department budget; Jaramillo said there is currently no money in that budget and the county will transfer initial funds from the OATCF (other authorized county fund), receive contributions from the town and district as available, and accept private foundation support. He said Taos Municipal Schools offered a small contribution voluntarily; Penasco was not asked to contribute in year one. The Keeler Foundation and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico were cited as early private supporters and will provide seed funds and fiscal-agency capacity.
Commissioner Brush moved to approve the JPA; Commissioner Vigil seconded. The clerk called the roll and the motion passed unanimously.
