Portales superintendent says farewell

Portales school board members on Monday discussed online access to meetings and said goodbye to Superintendent Johnnie Cain.

Cain is retiring after 11 years with the district.

“Thank you, Mr. Cain, for everything that you’ve done for me and the chances you’ve taken on me,” said Portales High Principal Nathan Dodge.

The board on March 4 hired Sharon Rowley to succeed Cain. Rowley is principal at Fort Sumner schools and previously worked in Portales schools for 4 ½ years.

Cain’s final meeting was spent on routine business that included approval of grant applications, discussion of construction projects and plans for complying with Senate Bill 137 that requires live audio and video webcasts of school board meetings be made accessible through the school district’s website. The new law also requires a user interface that allows members of the public to submit written or verbal comments.

PMS already streams its board meetings on an app called Hudl, but does not allow public comment.

Board members expressed concerns about inappropriate messages being posted during the online meetings. PMS Secretary Cade Standifer said online members who wish to participate in public comment will still have to sign a form before the meeting to speak with the board. 

School officials said they will look into comment restrictions within different broadcast websites as they pursue webcast options.

No action was taken regarding webcasts. Cain said a policy will be introduced at the July meeting. 

The board also heard plans for construction projects that include new heating and air conditioning systems for high school and junior high gyms, and the James Elementary School’s cafeteria, which will be remodeled to include walk-in refrigerators and freezers.

Staff writer Madison Willis and correspondent Emily Wilbanks contributed to this report.