Tularosa Schools Board Tackles Afterschool Care Crisis, Facility Upgrades, and Policy Updates

Tularosa, NM — The Tularosa Municipal Schools Board of Education met recently to address pressing operational challenges and prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, with significant focus on reviving afterschool childcare services, advancing major construction projects, and approving updated district policies.

Afterschool program enrollment has dropped nearly to zero amid rising costs and limited available space, creating hardship for working families. District officials urged continued use of school facilities in the short term while a potential relocation to the community center faces delays. The move is unlikely to occur within the next three weeks.

Help New Mexico has secured funding to support afterschool care with capacity for about 20 children, and partnerships with Bayside Taro and others are underway to repurpose elementary school spaces and coordinate transportation. Board members and staff highlighted the district’s four school buildings with available multi-use areas, including storage for art supplies, as immediate options to sustain services and address waitlists of 13-20 children.

Construction and Facility Progress

Superintendent reports detailed steady advancements across multiple projects. The “Just Built House” project, which includes training rooms and office spaces, is approximately 85% complete. Painting, flooring, and code compliance work are progressing, though plumbing delays due to missing parts (such as mixing valves) have slowed installation of showers and bathroom partitions. Exterior demolition, landscaping, and main building painting are scheduled, with HVAC units expected in about 2.5 weeks. Officials aim for substantial completion before August 1.

Middle school renovations continue with minimal disruption, including stem walls, footings, parking lot work, and installation of refrigerant split AC units in classrooms. Parking lots at the elementary and high schools are being resurfaced and striped, with attention to water runoff and soil compaction. Gym floors at the high school and middle school will be unavailable during resurfacing in the last week of July. Athletic field improvements include new waterers, and playground safety repairs — particularly a deteriorating slide and flooring at the intermediate school — remain a priority.

Superintendent’s Report and Staff Preparation

The summer reading program concluded successfully on July 2 with a parent cookout. Volleyball and football workouts are underway, staff onboarding for the new school year is nearly complete, and professional development sessions are planned through R9 training. Renovations include repurposing the former middle school band room for new staff, along with repairs to plaster, structural pillars, and accessibility features.

Key Policy Approvals

The board approved several policy updates:

• Student Travel Meal Allowances: Increased from $12.50 per student per day to $18 for in-state travel and $20 for out-of-state, citing rising food costs and regional differences.

• Special Education Handbook: Annual procedural updates drafted by attorneys for legal compliance.

• Teacher Resident Program (Advisory 275): Stipends now based on percentages of minimum teacher salary. Binding commitment to the sponsoring district was removed in favor of any public school, with job offers contingent on district needs and performance.

• Use of Cell Phones and Electronic Devices (Advisory 276): Schools will define their own rules under Option 1. The policy requires annual, age-appropriate digital citizenship training addressing screen time, social media risks (e.g., TikTok), and enforcement challenges.

• Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (Advisory 277): AEDs must be clearly marked and accessible at athletic events. Staff training on AED use is mandated, targeting at least 10% of employees (with two nurses already certified as trainers).

• Reporting Child Abuse (Advisory 278): Updated for statutory compliance, with defined annual/biannual training and clarified reporting to law enforcement, CYFD, and tribal authorities where applicable.

Financials, Infrastructure, and Upcoming Meetings

Financial reports show closed encumbrances from last year and positive balances entering the new fiscal period, though some PED grant funds are still processing. High-priority ADA improvements for sidewalks and handicap access near the high school football field concession stand are planned in collaboration with NMDOT, though the project may take over a year due to grant cycles and terrain challenges.

The board scheduled a working session for July 20-21 to review the 5-year master plan and prepare PSFA funding applications for projects over $100,000. A special session with executive session is set for August 4, followed by the next regular meeting on August 15.

District leaders expressed appreciation for ongoing support to families and emphasized collaboration to balance immediate needs with long-term infrastructure and safety goals.

Alamogordo Town News and KALH Radio will continue monitoring Tularosa Municipal Schools developments. Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming board meetings for more details.

For full meeting context, refer to district records. Stay tuned to KALH for local education coverage.

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