New law benefits schools

QCS Managing Editor

When Quay County public schools begin its school year on Monday, students in House and San Jon will find their options expanded by new legislation that affects the state’s smallest districts, while Logan and Tucumcari will offer more “hands-on” educational experiences.

New classes and more teachers will await San Jon and House students thanks to a bill, HB35, that the New Mexico Legislature approved this year, which changed funding formulas for districts with fewer than 200 students.

At House, according to Superintendent Lecile Richards, students may take classes in Spanish, archery and culinary arts, or receive additional instruction in test preparation and in remedial areas.

At San Jon, Superintendent Colin Taylor said the additional funding is bringing classes in agricultural science, zoology and astronomy, as well as enhanced science education programs.

Under HB 35, school districts with less than 200 students received additional “membership” credits to make their enrollments equivalent to 200 students.

House received 105 enrollment points, based on its enrollment of 95 students in the 2013-14 school year, according the legislature’s analysis of the bill. That brought more than $400,800 into the district.

San Jon received 116 points, based on an enrollment of 84 students in 2013-14, the analysis said. That brought a little more than $442,800 to the district.

At Logan, Superintendent Dennis Roch said, the district has bought a house near the Logan School, which will allow the students to learn by doing as they make repairs and remodel the structure.

“They’ll be able to learn things in the classroom, then apply them by working on the house,” he said.

Tucumcari schools Superintendent Aaron McKinney said Tucumcari High School is looking forward to its first full year with Tucumcari High School’s new greenhouse. In the last half of the 2013-14 school year, the greenhouse allowed students to plant, raise and harvest a crop of hydroponic tomatoes. The plants produced yields well into the summer, which were sold to rthe public. This year, Jan Klinger, a Tucumcari High science teacher said, students may plant other crops, as well.

McKinney said Tucumcari students will also be able to take some classes at Mesalands Community College.