Development News for Las Cruces, New Mexico

Concerns Raised Over Changes to Summer Internship Program Management

The board received an update on the Summer Enrichment Internship Program, which has transitioned to being managed by an external company, Education at Work. This change has led to community frustration due to delays in student placement and a preference for virtual internships over hands-on experiences. Parents are expressing displeasure with the process, citing a lack of clear communication and the nature of virtual assignments. The district is working to address these concerns and clarify the roles of the county and the external company.

LCPS Board Considers, Rejects One-Time Athlete Transfer Policy

The board was presented with policy JFB, concerning a 'one-time transfer rule' for student athletes. This rule would allow student athletes one free transfer to a different high school without impacting their athletic eligibility. Many larger school districts oppose this policy due to concerns about enrollment imbalances and students transferring for athletic reasons rather than academic ones. The proposed policy change for Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) is to retain the current MMAA eligibility rules, meaning students would not be granted a free transfer. Coaches were surveyed, with 65% indicating opposition to the rule. District leadership, including the Superintendent and athletic coordinators, agreed that the policy would not be in the best interest of the district.

Las Cruces School Board Debates Dress Code Policy Revisions

The board discussed revisions to the district's dress code policy, specifically focusing on issues related to shorts length, cleavage, and general appropriateness of attire. Several board members expressed concerns about the enforceability and potential for a policy to be overly restrictive or discriminatory. Suggestions included removing specific clauses like 'no visible cleavage' and focusing on broader guidelines such as 'fully cover stomach, buttocks, and genitals' and prohibiting visible undergarments. The discussion also touched on the role of principals in enforcing dress codes and the potential impact on student expression. Public hearings are scheduled to gather further community input on the revised policy.

DARE Program Expansion in Las Cruces Schools Highlighted by Police and National Guard

The Las Cruces Police Department and National Guard presented an update on the re-implementation of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program, also known as 'Keeping it Real', in local schools. The program, which aims to teach students about making right choices and being great citizens, reached 391 fifth-grade students across six elementary schools during the past school year. The National Guard has committed to providing services free of charge, while schools would cover the cost of books. Both organizations are looking to expand the program's reach to more elementary schools in the future, with the goal of potentially reaching 15 schools in the next academic year.