RRPS school board visits Independence High School

RIO RANCHO — Curiosity and coffee were top of mind for the three newest members of the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education when they recently visited Independence High School.

Seth Muller, Rebecca Murray and Michael Berry visited the alternative school on Feb. 20 as a chance for them to learn about one of the district's institutions in the first month of their four-year tenure on the five-member school board. 

"This is a crown jewel of Rio Rancho Public Schools," Berry said following the meeting. Board members Beth Miller and Board President Amanda Galbraith did not attend.

The tour came as IHS celebrates a 67% graduation rate, the highest in 15 years, according to Principal Jessica Sanchez. But Independence, an institution focused on credit recovery for juniors and seniors, still has more work to do, she said. The school is in need of the highest level of state intervention to improve student success and will need to maintain a 67% graduation rate for several years before it is taken off the "more rigorous intervention" (MRI) classification by the New Mexico Public Education Department.

Nevertheless, a Feb. 9 school board presentation inspired the new board members to visit IHS, they said.

Beyond the challenges of IHS and its statistics, "There are more details behind (the school) that should be learned," Berry said. "(RRPS officials) pointed out maybe we should get a tour eventually."

And tour they did. Board members arrived mid-morning and were greeted by Sanchez, who noted that the campus on Quantum Road was previously a call center. School officials utilized its former use by devoting a large portion of the building to an open classroom concept. One portion of the building saw students completing an essay question on the concept of simple interest, and another included a faculty lecture about the constitutional powers of the president. 

"They can't hide here," Sanchez told board members, noting that she and staff members know every student's name and greet them every morning.

When Murray asked if the new IHS on Northern Boulevard would include an open classroom concept, Sanchez responded that it would not. The facility, expected to be complete in 2027, will include a courtyard, Sanchez noted.

She also used part of the tour to express how much she loves working with IHS students, describing them as "the best kids I've ever worked with." Sanchez also spoke of her desire to rebrand the school, focusing on the strides students are making as opposed to what led them to enroll.

On that note, she said school officials have not witnessed a fight between students in years.

"(That's) not to say they don't have their drama," Sanchez said. 

The biggest referrals students get for their behavior stems from vaping, although it is common for students caught with a vape pen to "hand it right over" and apologize to administrators, Sanchez told board members. Another common student infraction, she said, is violating IHS's cellphone policy, which bans phones during instructional time. But many students have improved and adhered to the policy.

"It all comes down to good relations you have with them," Sanchez told board members. 

Berry, Murray and Muller also visited a small kitchen, where students learned how to brew coffee. The beverage was provided by a student during the tour. 

When Sanchez noted the student was graduating from IHS a quarter early, the board members offered their congratulations.

The student told board members it is "not a drag" to attend IHS and there is "no one here I genuinely want to avoid." Sanchez described him as "a good representation of our students." 

Sanchez said IHS's graduation rate and other strides the school has made is "something (for board members) to take a look at."

"I loved the questions (board members ask), because they care and they want to know more," Sanchez said.

Following the tour, Murray, Muller and Berry said they were genuinely impressed with IHS.

"These students have a special place in my heart because they have been through situations that a lot of us never have to go through," Murray said. "For them to get the support and the education they need to graduate and thrive, I think that's wonderful."

Berry said he was surprised by the support, infrastructure and organization of IHS compared to Rio Rancho and Cleveland high schools.

Muller, who joked he can't wait for district employees to fetch him some IHS student-made coffee, said he wants students to know the board cares about them.

"We want you to know we're here for you. Whatever you need, let us know and we'll do what we can to help out," Muller said.