School district wants to get better handle on its inventory

The Socorro School board went into executive session to review possible legal exposure regarding the sale of district equipment and to review a legal claim of a former administrator. No action was taken and no comments were made after the session.

In his board report, Interim Superintendent Aubrey Tucker discussed the need to establish administrative protocols for high-ticket items. He recommended identifying a space for a warehouse and creating a new manager position who would be responsible for tracking purchases.

“The reason for this is that during my analysis and triage of the district, myself, Josh (Martinez) and Rhiannon (Crespin), we noticed some challenges when it comes to equipment and where we probably could tighten up some things to make sure we have a better hold on what’s coming into the district and what is also going out to the sites,” Tucker said.

He said it was important the school district have accountability of all the items that come in with public monies.

“We need to be very, very clear that anything that comes that we purchase, whether it’s a grant or with tax dollars or from our constituency, that we have an accountability of all that at all times. I just want to remind the public and the board that anything that is bought with public monies,” Tucker said.

Josh Martinez, director of operations, said they were thinking of using the central office warehouse to set up a office and also use the bus barn to secure larger items. Dave Hicks, board president asked Martinez if they were currently tagging items that the school was purchasing.

“It just depends on who’s ordering and what is ordered. I think right now it seems like kind of scattered out,” Martinez said.

Rhiannon Crespin, executive director of finance and personnel, confirmed the funding for the position would come from money held back in anticipation of shortfalls in transportation money. Tucker said it would still leave enough money for potential shortfalls.

Board member Kathleen Ocampo said she was concerned about creating a position not directly related to students. Ultimately, the board members present voted unanimously in favor of the position.

Middle School Construction

A Middle school construction project update was presented to the board by Bradbury Stamm Construction’s Lee Gruen, vice president and senior project manager, on Google Meets.

Gruen told the board that everything was on schedule and going well. He invited board members to attend their meetings.

According to Martinez’s report, the storm drain piping, electrical rough, concrete footings, concrete slabs and plumbing rough are complete. The block wall for the gym area and the curb and gutter system for the bus loop are all near completion.

Superintendent search

The school board discussed creating a timeline for a superintendent search. President Hicks said his preference would be to allow time for Tucker to get settled in and allow for stabilization in the district.

“It is just my opinion that I don’t see any benefit in trying to bring somebody in the middle of this. We’ve got a lot on our plate right now. We have a year contract and I would feel much more comfortable leaving this year and starting a search next year, if that’s the direction we want to go.,” Hicks said.

Tucker said that he works at the pleasure of the school board and would follow whatever timeline they set.