Magdalena school board adjusts graduation time, tables leave‑policy revisions

The Magdalena Municipal Schools Board of Education approved a new graduation ceremony time and tabled proposed changes to employee leave policies.

The board voted to change the 2026 graduation ceremony time to 2 p.m. The decision followed discussion about scheduling conflicts with Alamo Navajo School’s graduation and concerns about travel time for families attending both events. Board members noted the time could be revisited if needed.

A proposed update to leave policies, including converting leave from days to hours and capping separation payouts, was tabled for further review. Board members requested additional financial modeling before taking action, citing the need to understand impacts on both staff and district budgets.

During the board report,  Board President Lynn Major shared takeaways from the New Mexico School Boards Association annual convention held Dec. 4–6. Topics included strategic planning, statewide assessments and budget processes. Major said she had concerns about national rankings that place New Mexico 50th in education, referencing recent presentations suggesting the state’s performance may be stronger than national metrics indicate.

"It's a standardized test that we have to have, and they set the goals based on national standards, but they're different across the nation, so it's kind of hard to compare." Major said.

IT reported ongoing issues with the district’s newly launched website, which went live earlier than expected and is still being updated. 

Special Education Director Kyl Candelaria reported on statewide meetings, early childhood transitions and a recent child‑find event, which saw low turnout as more three-year-olds are already enrolled in pre-K programs.

Maintenance updates included sealing and striping the track, sealing the east parking lot, installing a new fence to prevent vehicles from entering the elementary playground and making progress on the roofing project.

The board voted to move its next regular meeting to Monday, Jan. 12. Agenda items will include the fourth reading of the leave‑policy revisions, swearing‑in of newly elected board members and annual board reorganization.

The next Magdalena school board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12.