Revised student discipline plan sets new consequences for fighting
On October 26, 2026, the board approved a revised student behavior management plan.
Read the full storyNew Mexico school board news
Friday, November 13, 2026
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The policy desk
What’s moving in phones
The debate over phones, screens and the school day.
The policy desk
What’s moving in AI
How artificial intelligence is changing classrooms and school rules.
The policy desk
What’s moving in student voice
Students speaking up, organizing and helping shape their schools.
The news desk
Latest New Mexico stories
Moriarty-Edgewood School District
Driver shortage cancels two bus routes every day
In September 2026 the transportation coordinator said the district posts a schedule two weeks ahead that cancels two bus routes each day, on a rotating basis. More routes can be cancelled early in the morning when a driver calls in sick. Bus drivers earn about $22.73 an hour, while Albuquerque Public Schools advertises more than $25.
Board approves $26 million loan for school technology
On Sept. 15, 2026 the board approved $26 million in education technology notes and a lease-purchase plan to buy technology for schools and students.
Phones banned during class time in all Carlsbad schools
On Sept. 15, 2026 the board adopted a new phone policy. Students may not use phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops or game devices during class time. The old policy, adopted in Dec. 2025, only let principals make their own rules.
Attendance improvement plan approved
On September 8, 2026 the board approved the 2026-27 Attendance Improvement Plan. The superintendent also reported on the attendance plan at the same meeting.
Board moves ahead on a parking garage
On September 8, 2026 the board approved a request for proposals (RFP) for a parking garage, with recommended changes. The October 13 agenda listed the garage RFP and a real estate transaction for possible action after a closed session. Earlier, in February 2026, the board voted to buy the property at 202 B N 2nd Street.
Falling enrollment worries the board, with 3 preschoolers expected
At the August 24, 2026 meeting, the board discussed declining enrollment. Only three preschool students were projected, while preschool funding is based on 10 students.
Drainage project done; culinary arts room work under way
The superintendent told the board on August 18, 2026 that the drainage project was finished and that Rymarc Construction had moved on to the culinary arts (FACS) project. The board had awarded the drainage work to Rymarc on May 5, 2026.
Board approves selling $95 million in school construction bonds
On Aug. 18, 2026 the board approved selling $95 million in bonds: $35 million to the public and $60 million to the State Treasurer. Voters approved up to $300 million in March 2024, and the district had already sold $110 million.
More from the news desk
District reports about 42 open teaching jobs as kindergarten enrollment drops
On Aug. 18, 2026 staff reported about 29.5 open general education teaching jobs and 13 open special education jobs. Kindergarten enrollment was down about 99 students, and total 10th-day enrollment was 7,181.
Phones and smart watches banned during the school day
The 2026-27 student handbook says students may not use cell phones, smart watches, earbuds or other devices on campus during the school day. A device used without permission is taken away. The first time, a parent picks it up after school. The second time brings one day of in-school suspension, and the third time two days.
Board takes up student cell-phone policy
On July 20, 2026, the board heard the first reading of a New Mexico School Boards Association policy on student cell-phone and electronic-device use. Board members discussed two options. One lets each principal set classroom phone rules with the superintendent's approval; the other sets a single rule for the whole district. A recording was posted for the August 17 meeting, where a final vote would normally follow, but it has no captions, so we could not confirm the vote.
Raton schools move to a four-day week
Raton Public Schools is switching to a four-day school week for 2026-27, most likely Monday through Thursday. The board allowed it on April 30 after a family survey, approved the new calendar 3-2 on May 11, and the superintendent confirmed the change in July.
New math books for every grade
The board approved new math materials: Great Minds for kindergarten through 6th grade and Savvas for 7th through 12th grade. This replaces a mix of programs with one district-wide math plan, paid in part by a state math-materials grant.
New school building to break ground in December
The district expects to break ground on its new school building in December 2026. Voters passed the SB9 school bond in November 2025, and the design has gone through state facilities authority reviews. The old buildings, including Columbian School, are to be torn down later with state money, but Columbian is held up by a historic-registry question.
Board takes up a student cell phone policy
On June 24, 2026, the board held a first reading of new state school board association policy updates, including one on use of cell phones. The July 15 agenda listed them for a second reading.
Jefferson Montessori Academy's building lease set to end June 2027
After closed meetings about a threatened lawsuit from the charter school, the board told Jefferson Montessori Academy on June 16, 2026 that its lease runs until June 30, 2027 and will only be extended in writing. The board approved mediation, then approved a settlement on July 28, 2026.
Superintendent's contract extended one year
On June 16, 2026 the board voted 4-0 to extend Superintendent Dr. Gerry Washburn's contract by one year. One member was absent.
New math textbooks adopted
On June 9, 2026 the board approved a new math textbook adoption. A committee had been reviewing all the math curriculum since February.
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