Clovis schools still have 66 positions to fill

With less than a month before the school year begins, Clovis Municipal Schools needs to fill about 66 positions; a number that includes teachers, coaches and support staff.

The Clovis Municipal Schools Board of Education met Tuesday at the Administrative Building. It was the last meeting before the school year begins on Aug. 18.

During the meeting’s human resources report, Superintendent Jody Balch noted the NM Teach evaluation system — which was new for the 2013-14 school year — may have startled many educators into leaving the school district.

He said there may still be questions as to how to interpret the new system. NM Teach evaluations were received in May.

“I think to some degree, this is a panic rush to leave,” Balch said. He also said that CMS hired many military personnel, who may have been recently transferred.

Kerry Parker, executive director of human resources for CMS, said that as of Monday, the district was in need of 12 secondary teachers, seven elementary school teachers and seven special education teachers.

Thirteen coaching positions were open.

Parker said those who have a bachelor’s degree are eligible to be hired by CMS, and may work toward their licensure during the evening and teach by day.

The CMS Board approved the consent agenda. Board Secretary Kyle Snider abstained from voting and Board Member Jennifer Burrill was absent.

All human resources items were approved unanimously. These included:

• Board Policy I-2050/Family Life Education

• Board Policy Exhibit I-2081/Family Life Education

• Board Policy I-7350/Graduation Requirements

• Board Policy J-5200/Immunizations of Students

• Board Policy Regulation J-5211/Immunization of Students

• Board Policy J-6250/Reporting Child Abuse/Child Protection

All items under financial matters were approved unanimously:

• Resolution authorizing bank account signatures

• Petty cash requests

• Approval to remove item from the fixed asset inventory. CMS Chief Financial Officer Shawna Russell said the item was a laptop that was no longer being used by the Clovis High School ROTC program.