School board hears update on facilities master planning

Clovis Municipal Schools is working to “stay ahead of the curve” regarding a new funding formula for state schools.

The matter was discussed at the Jan. 23 regular session of the board.

“We don’t want any surprises from Santa Fe when we are mandated as to what we are to do,” CMS board President Terry Martin said.

Martin said school officials plan to have a workshop soon to discuss the matter.

Jay Brady, a CMS deputy superintendent, said changes won’t be unexpected.

“In compliance with the Public School Capital Outlay Council requirements and Public Schools Funding Authority in New Mexico, a robust facility master plan is developed every five years and is indispensable for securing funding to address critical infrastructure needs and capital projects,” Brady wrote in an email responding to questions from The News.

Brady said at CMS, “facility master planning is a comprehensive and strategic process that outlines the district's vision for optimal learning environments. The facility master planning process serves as a roadmap for efficient resource utilization, prioritizing infrastructure enhancements, and creating an environment conducive to academic excellence.”

Brady said the committee Martin spoke of is working on ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach on the matter.

“The district has created a Facility Master Planning Committee, engaging diverse perspectives and insights from stakeholders, including educators, parents, administrators, and community members,” Brady wrote.

“The FMP is a living document that is adjusted and grown in keeping with the changes of our district and community.”

Brady went on to describe the committee as conducting “collaborative working sessions instrumental in shaping recommendations that will be considered in a final meeting of the FMP Committee, scheduled for February.”

The FMP committee’s recommendations, will be presented to the school board, with a final decision anticipated in May according to Brady.

Brady encouraged public comment on the matter.

“We look forward to engaging public comment on this plan when it is presented to the board for consideration in the spring. Members of the community are also welcome to attend meetings of the Board of Education, which are held the third Tuesday of each month,” Brady wrote.

In other business at the Jan. 23 meeting:

• Superintendent Renee Russ suggested the Board and attendees to “keep an eye on education-related legislation” and encouraged them to “engage in the process by reaching out to our area legislators.”

“Because the legislative session is only in the second week, I don't believe any legislation has yet made it through the session,” Russ noted.

Russ directed the board and attendees to the legislative website, nmlegis.gov .