Thursday, August 27, 2026

August 27, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Los Alamos Public Schools Board Meeting  
 
Final Minutes 
  
1. Pledge of Allegiance 
  
2. Call to Order, 5:30 pm  
 
3. Roll Call 
President Wyman, Here 
Vice-President Coupland, Here 
Secretary Colgan, Here 
Member Jaurigue, Here 
Member Baker, Here 
 
Superintendent Guy 
Recording Secretary Brugh 
  
4. Routine Business/Approval of Agenda 
   
Secretary Colgan:  I MOVE the School Board approves the agenda for August 27, 
2026, as presented.  
 
All in Favor, AYE 
Motion Carries 
 
5. Recognition by the Board – None 
  
6. a.  Student Liaison Representatives 
b.  Superintendent’s Report 
Superintendent Guy updated the Board that both the high school and the middle 
school admin teams are working on student liaison applications and will send 
them on to our board members.  President Wyman and Secretary Colgan are the 
committee members for the high school; Vice President Coupland and Member 
Jaurigue are the committee members for the middle school.

Superintendent Guy also discussed the NMSBA Fall Region II Meeting which LAPS 
is hosting at Pinon Elementary school on Monday, September 14.  
c.  Public Comment for items not on the agenda.  The only comment was a 
phishing scam we have been receiving.  The comment was deleted. 
7.  Routine Business/Consent Agenda Items 
Budget Adjustment Report 
Disposals 
Draft Minutes, August 11, 2026 
Member Jaurigue:  I MOVE the Board approve the Consent Agenda as 
presented. 
 
All in Favor, AYE 
Motion Carries 
 
8. Mutual Termination of Lease Agreement 
Ms. Thornton presented a Neutral Termination of Lease Agreement for our 
tenant in Suite Q2.  The tenant would like to vacate the suite by October 31, 
2026.  This is contingent upon the board approval, her approval and conditions 
which include removing her fixtures and making any repairs.  Ms. Thornton 
already has another tenant who wishes to assume the space.  That will be 
presented at a future meeting since that lease is not ready to be presented. 
 
Member Baker:  I MOVE the School Board approve the Mutual Termination of 
Lease as presented.  
 
All in Favor, AYE 
Motion Carries 
  
9. Request for Los Alamos Public Schools to Authorize Bank Signatures 
Assistant Superintendent Johnson presented the authorization for bank 
signatures.  We have had some personnel changes, and this is also part of the 
annual review of the accessibility and authorization of signatures.   
 
Vice President Coupland:  I MOVE the School Board approve to authorize bank 
signatures for the banks listed.

All in Favor, AYE 
Motion Carries 
  
10. First Read of Draft Policy on Grading  
Assistant Superintendent Payne presented a draft grading policy for its first 
reading.  The policy aims to provide high-level direction on grading, 
distinguishing between board policy (broad guidance) and regulation 
(implementation details). 
The committee worked extensively to condense the policy to one page, focusing 
on four guiding principles and general philosophy statements. 
Input was gathered from administrators and teachers at various school levels, 
and feedback was incorporated into the draft. 
 
The policy is intended to: 
Focus grading on demonstrated content, knowledge, and skills rather than 
behavioral factors (e.g., lateness). 
Promote consistency and fairness across courses and teachers, while affirming 
professional teacher judgment. 
Encourage teacher collaboration to ensure grades have comparable meaning 
across classrooms. 
 
Board members discussed: 
The importance of clear, high-level policy language that avoids being overly 
prescriptive or corrective toward teachers. 
Concerns about the tone and potential legal implications of certain statements, 
especially regarding what counts toward grades (e.g., participation, homework). 
The need to balance consistency with respect for teacher autonomy and the 
diverse needs of students (e.g., IEPs, modifications). 
Suggestions to reword or restructure guiding principles to emphasize 
collaboration and common standards without implying identical assignments or 
assessments. 
 
The policy has not yet undergone legal review but references applicable laws and 
administrative codes. 
The board acknowledged the significant effort involved and welcomed further 
feedback and revisions before a second reading.

11. Discussion on Potential New Mexico School Board Association Legislative 
Resolutions 
Presented by Superintendent Guy 
The board reviewed and discussed draft resolutions to be submitted to the New 
Mexico School Board Association (NMSBA) for legislative advocacy. The process 
included: 
Review and Editing: Board members provided feedback and suggested edits to 
the draft resolutions. Staff will incorporate these changes and present revised 
drafts at the next board meeting for final approval before submission. 
 
Resolution Topics: 
Math and Reading Interventionists: The board discussed the need for state 
funding to ensure every public school in New Mexico has at least one qualified, 
full-time math and reading interventionist. Emphasis was placed on equity across 
all districts, referencing the Martinez-Yazzie decision, and the need for recurring 
funding for both literacy and math intervention programs for all districts in all 
schools. 
 
Nepotism Policy: Updates were suggested to align with recent legislative changes 
and clarify language regarding exemptions and risk mitigation. The board also 
discussed the importance of staff diversity and cultural representation in schools. 
 
State Equalization Guarantee (SEG) Modernization: The board considered 
splitting the SEG resolution into two: one focusing on consistent, inflation-
adjusted annual funding increases, and another on establishing permanent, 
recurring funding streams for technology and safety. The rising costs of 
technology and utilities were highlighted as significant budget challenges. 
Revised resolutions will be shared with the board for one more review at the 
next meeting, after which they will be submitted to NMSBA. Board members 
were encouraged to review the NMSBA website for examples of past resolutions.  
 
12. Board Committees Update 
The Policy Committee has started work on an AI policy.  There are not many 
policies available to look at.  The National Education Association has a guidance 
sample policy. 
JJAB is facing some severe funding challenges this upcoming year.

The first Native American Parent Council (NAPAC) meeting is September 2, the 
first Wednesday of the month.  They will be hosting a Back-to-School dinner.  
Board Chair Harvey is stepping down as chair. 
The LAC/LAPS/UNM-LA meeting was held.  Discussion center around CTE 
programs and student internships, and creating more opportunities for students 
to get credit for the work they do.  They also discussed the capital improvement 
match and the bond cycle.    
 
13. Future Business 
 
Tues, Sept 8, LAPS Board Meeting, LAPS Board Room 5:30 pm 
Mon, Sept 14, Region II Fall NMSBA Meeting, Hosted by LAPS 
Fri, Sept 18, Homecoming Parade, 2:30 pm 
Fri, Sept 18, Homecoming Game, LAPS is hosting Cibola High School, 7:00 pm 
Sat, Sept 19, Homecoming Dance, 7:00 pm 
Thurs, Sept 24, LAPS Board Meeting, Chamisa Elementary 
Tues, Oct 13, LAPS Board Meeting, LAPS Board Room, 5:30 pm 
Thurs, Oct 22, LAPS Board Meeting, Los Alamos Middle School, 5:30 pm 
   
14. Adjournment 
Member Baker:  I MOVE we adjourn this meeting.  
All in Favor, AYE 
Motion Carries 
 
Meeting Adjourned, 7:05 pm