RRPS Board gives commendations, hears Safe Space comments

RIO RANCHO — Some called it “The Schmidt Show”. Others called it “Schmidt’s Creek.” Still others just called it the “October 14th RRPS School Board meeting.”

Whatever it was called, it was certainly dominated by RRPS executive director of Fine Arts, Kurt Schmidt, who was on hand to present numerous awards from the New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA).

First up, Schmidt and the board recognized the RRHS Wind Symphony, which was recently selected as the All-State Honor Band, under the direction of Matthew Casarez.

Second, Schmidt presented a similar recognition to the RRMS “Phoenix Philharmonic.” The middle school orchestra, which was named after the mythical bird known to die a fiery death only to be reborn from its own ashes, was named the All-State Honor Orchestra, under the direction of Donna Schmidt.

Lastly, the board gave a commendation to the RRPS Fine Arts Department for its earning of the NMMEA Rollie Heltman Service Award, which is given to persons or organizations who have given continuous support to the NMMEA. In the case of RRPS, that support was most often in the form of facility usage.

There was a fourth commendation scheduled, for Cleveland High School junior Kiana Aragon, who won first place in the High School Division of the State Fair Fine Art Show in September. The commendation was postponed until Aragon could be present.

According to Schmidt, Aragon will be recognized at the next board meeting on Oct. 28.

The public voiceNext, the board heard public comments.

There was one offering resources to help students and adults quit nicotine.

The remainder of the 11 public comments concerned the Safe Space signage, which has been a point of public comment for more than a year.

“I did not have a good time in high school,” said Madigan Ray. “The support of queer children is not a political statement, but taking away that support is.”

None of the public comments were against the Safe Space signage and, per the bylaws, the board is not permitted to directly respond to public comment.

However, Eagle Ridge Middle School teacher Andrew Ryan, who is a strong advocate for Safe Space signage and a regular speaker at RRPS school board meetings, took the opportunity to thank the district and express the pride and love he feels for his fellow teachers.

“I have so much gratitude for the district and all they do,” he said. “The new UFO Center they are setting up is about the coolest thing I’ve ever heard of.”

Reports and requirementsThe board heard from RBC Capital representative Eric Harrigan, who gave the 2024 Bond Sale Report.

Next, RRPS secondary school improvement officer Renee Saucedo and executive director of secondary curriculum and instruction Stephany Moore reviewed the state’s new graduation requirements and went over any potential changes RRPS may need to consider.

And now, back to a very special episode of ‘The Schmidt Show’

For final business, Schmidt returned to the podium.

First, he proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Santa Fe Opera and Rio Rancho Public Schools that would open the door for the two entities to collaborate on the opera’s Active Learning Through Opera (ALTO) program.

Next, he proposed a similar MOU between RRPS and the National Dance Insitute (NDI).

These MOUs are part of Schmidt and RRPS’s push to bring the concept of arts integration into all RRPS schools and create a robust fine arts program that integrates with students’ additional studies.

According to the Institute of Arts Education and STEAM, “Arts integration is an approach to teaching and learning through which content standards are taught and assessed equitably in and through the arts.”

Several district schools already utilize this technique.

Schmidt asked the board to consider approval to move forward with arts integration implementation at Sandia Vista Elementary School and Enchanted Hills Elementary School.

Animals at schoolLastly, the board heard from RRPS executive director of safety and security Sal Maniaci, who gave the first reading of Board Policy 806: “Animals on School Property.” P806 establishes guidelines for animals, including service animals, at RRPS schools.

This being a first reading, a vote was not taken, but several amendments to the original language were proposed. Changes included specification of what constitutes a “service animal” and the urging of all school administrators to exercise “cultural sensitivity” when using school site animals.