October 13, 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, Absent
Vice President Coupland, Here
Secretary Colgan, Absent
Member Jaurigue, Here
Member Baker, Here
A quorum is present.
4. Routine Business/Approval of Agenda
Member Jaurigue: | MOVE the School Board approve the Agenda for October
13, 2026, with the amended order of switching Items 8 and 9 as presented.
All in Favor, AYE
Motion Carries
5. Recognition by the Board
Vice President Coupland recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, which is
celebrated from September 15 through October 15. This celebration highlights
cultural, economic, and societal contributions of Hispanic Americans to Northern
New Mexico and our nation. Vice President Coupland recognized the diversity
within the Los Alamos Public Schools population.
6. a. Student Liaison Representatives - Ezra Kozimor was in attendance.
b. Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Guy introduced our new high school liaisons. Our 11" grade
liaisons are Ezra Kozimor, Silas Laskie, and Hailey Apodaca. Our 12" grade liaison
is Eliana Padilla.
c. Public Comment for items not on the agenda
Jake Adams, of 341 Aragon Ave, had public comments on grading.
7, Routine Business/Consent Agenda items
Fund and Function Report
Adjusting Entries Report
Budget Adjustment Report, 9.24.26
Budget Adjustment Report, 10.13.26
Disposals
Draft Minutes, September 8, 2026
Draft Minutes, September 24, 2026
Member Jaurigue: | MOVE the Board approve the Consent Agenda for October
13, 2026 with the correction to the September 8 Draft Minutes as presented.
All in Favor, AYE
Motion Carries
8. Amendment to Lease Agreement
Presented by Ms. Johnson, Coordinator of Leased Facilities and Assistant
Superintendent Johnson
Requested approval to expand the lease for the Los Alamos Community Ceramics
Club in the district-owned strip mall from 900 sq. ft. to include an additional 239
sq. ft. (moving into space Q2).
Monthly rent will increase to $3,048.02.
Tenant responsible for all costs associated with facility modifications (e.g.,
additional kiln installation).
Member Baker: | MOVE the School Board approve the Amendment to Lease
Agreement as presented.
Allin Favor, AYE
Motion Carries
9. LAPS Prevention Program Overview
Presented by Sylvia Dieh!, Prevention Support Specialist
Ms. Diehl explained that the LAPS Prevention Program focuses on the following:
1. Focus on solving root issues proactively before problems arise,
2. Empowering students and the community using existing strengths rather
than a deficit-based model, and
3. Utilizing Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS) data and local insight and
needs.
The district uses a structured multi-layer approach wrapping support around the
student, teachers and staff, parents and caregivers, and the community. She
discussed the Resilience Initiative which includes a Youth Peer Ambassador
Program and Staff wellness training. Six students are selected for the
ambassador program. They are trained to work with their peers. Staff wellness
training also gives staff tools to use to strengthen their skills as well. The
initiative is made possible by the Los Alamos Community Foundation.
Sources of Strength builds on eight protective factors and is a nationally
recognized, evidence-based program to help students build the supports they
need to get through difficult times.
Board member Jaurigue voiced his thanks and appreciation for this resource.
Vice President Coupland also shared that this is and has been a strong resource
for Los Alamos.
10. Second Read of Draft Policy 5129 on Grading
Presented by Assistant Superintendent Payne
Board members discussed several provisions that they want to see in the grading
policy:
Transparency & Clarity: Board members discussed ensuring grading rules,
weighted categories, and standards-based criteria are accessible and clear to
parents and students across all grade levels.
Equity & Outside Resources: Emphasized that student grades should reflect
academic achievement and core standards rather than access to outside
resources (such as internet access or costly project materials).
Policy vs. Regulation: Agreed that Policy 5126 should remain a broad,
overarching guiding document, while specific details, weightings, and grade-level
nuances will be defined in the forthcoming district regulations.
Proposed Amendments:
Edit the transparency section to state that "student expectations and grading
practices" should be communicated and remain available for review.
Add language under equity and fairness specifying that academic grades should
“not reflect the means or resources available to the student."
Member Jaurigue: | MOVE the School Board move Policy 5126 Student Grades
and Transcripts to the Consent Agenda on October 22, 2026, with the
recommended changes as presented.
All in Favor, AYE
Motion Carries
11. Chamisa Elementary School Report and Presentation
Presented by Principal Meek
Discussion Only
Principal Meek discussed Chamisa’s Focus and Theme for the year,
"Be the Bounce" (focusing on resiliency, risk-taking, and building connection).
Chamisa students are learning through the 3 C’s: Connection, Courage and
Competence. These programs integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) and civic
responsibility through monthly "Cheetah Champions" recognitions and
celebrations.
The school has shown a strong growth noted in ELA and Science; math progress
is steady but slower. Focus is on strengthening foundational number sense and
Base 10 knowledge. Chamisa is targeting an ambitious 5 percentage point growth
across grade levels in mathematics. Chamisa is transitioning to evidence-based
math practices (JUMP Math, Spring Math, and Kansas Math Project PD)
supported by a dedicated hands-on math coach.
12. Strategic Plan Update on Academic Excellence
Presented by Superintendent Guy
Discussion Only
State assessment data indicated Los Alamos Public Schools continues to strongly
outperform state proficiency averages across math, literacy and science.
Interventions and supports aligning with the Yazzie/Martinez lawsuit priority
areas remain a focus. Los Alamos High Schoo! achieved the highest math growth
rate in the state among large schools (+15 percentage point increase), placed in
the top 10 statewide in science (+11.5 percentage point increase) and showed
strong literacy growth.
Pinon Elementary school ranked #17 in New Mexico for growth within its size
category, with a 9.8% gain. Science proficiency at Barranca Mesa Elementary
jumped 17 points (from 55% to 72%), the largest single-year gain in the district.
All district schools maintain “Spotlight” status, placing them in the top 25% of
schools statewide.
Superintendent Guy attributed these sustained gains to consistent board vision
and support, districtwide Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), explicit
instruction, curriculum adoption grounded in the science of learning (such as
LETRS and AIMS training for literacy and Spring Math/Kansas Math Project for
math) and improved testing culture.
13. Board Committee Updates
Member Baker reported that JJAB will receive their major funding. There was
some uncertainty about this last month. JJAB also has some new energetic staff
who are excited about the upcoming year.
Member Jaurigue and Vice President Coupland reported that in addition to the
Student Grading policy, they are continuing to work on an Al policy. This new
policy will be very important to our district.
Vice President Coupland and Superintendent Guy attended the
LAC/UNMLA/LAPS luncheon, The county comprehensive master plan was
discussed. Legislators, county representatives and LAPS also toured some areas
at the high school and ski hill to get an idea of our priorities moving forward. The
legislators appeared to be receptive.
14, Future Business
Thurs, October 22, LAPS Board Meeting, Los Alamos Middle School, 5:30 pm
Tues, Nov 3, Election Day, No School
Tues, Nov 10, LAPS Board Meeting, LAPS Board Room, 5:30 pm
Wed, Nov 11, Veterans' Day, No School
Dec 3-5, NMSBA Annual Convention
Tues, Dec 8, LAPS Board Meeting, LAPS Board Room, 5:30 pm
15. Adjournment
Member Baker: | MOVE we adjourn this meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.