Margo Batha
Dear School Board members, Superintendent Guy, and Assistant Superintendent Payne,
Before the comments close on our community discussion of calendar options, I wanted to voice my vote for either Calendar A or Calendar C. Both of these calendar options reflect a small shift in our current calendar and offer Los Alamos Public Schools the greatest opportunity to increase funding from the adjusted SEG multiplier from the funding formula. Choosing Calendar A or C is the most fiscally responsible choice for Los Alamos Public Schools.
I have deep reservations regarding Calendar B, the “balanced calendar”. I listened to the presentation on this calendar this Monday night and I remain confused about the actual reason why this calendar would benefit our community. What problem is LAPS seeking to address by moving to a balanced school year calendar? If we as a community identify problems that need to be addressed, is a balanced school calendar the best solution to those problems?
I fully support Colleen Swaveley’s letter expressing her concerns regarding the impact that Calendar B would have on students and coaches for athletics and activities. As the coach of the Los Alamos Hilltalkers Speech and Debate team, I can say without a doubt that Calendar B would impact the ability of the Hilltalkers to compete at the National Speech and Debate Tournament each June. Because this calendar would dramatically shorten my summer break, I would have to resign from coaching Speech and Debate in order to prioritize my own health and well-being.
Most importantly, we need a vote on a calendar quickly so that our administration can finalize our budget figures and plan for the 2023-2024 school year. To that end, please ratify Calendar A or Calendar C in order to give our district the resources needed to fully implement the requirements of HB 130.
Sincerely,
Margo Batha
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