Free admission to games at Magdalena Schools approved

Home athletic events will now be free for the remainder of the school year with the approval of a memorandum of understanding with the Opioid Remediation Collaborative to fund free admission, approved at the Magdalena School board meeting on Nov. 17.

The board tackled a full agenda that included financial approvals, policy discussions and a student-led request to adjust graduation plans.

Senior Belem Villa asked the board to consider moving the May 16 graduation ceremony from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to avoid a conflict with Alamo High School’s commencement. Villa said the class voted overwhelmingly in favor of the change. The board agreed to place the item on the December agenda for action.

Elementary Principal Jory Mirabal presented data on the school’s Friday Learning Academy, a program aimed at improving performance among targeted student groups. Mirabal reported notable gains, including the highest third-grade English Language Arts scores in 21 years and strong growth in math. “We’re proud of the progress,” Mirabal said, noting the school recently exited two state-designated improvement categories.

Board members approved $268,965 in Public School Capital Outlay Council funds under House Bill 450 for facility upgrades, including concrete work, accessibility improvements and security enhancements.

The board spent considerable time debating overtime rules for non-exempt employees who coach or take on extra duties. Superintendent Kimberly Ortiz said the district is exploring options to remain compliant with labor laws while maintaining athletic programs. “We want to do what’s best for kids without creating audit findings,” Ortiz said.

Proposed revisions to leave policies were tabled until December. Board members discussed setting caps on payouts and moving to an hourly system for tracking leave.

Updated leave policies and the graduation time change will be returned for action next month.

The next school board meeting will be held on Dec.15 at 6 p.m.