By Elaine Baumgartel
Santa Fe, NM – The Santa Fe New Mexican reports more than 150 people attended the meeting to voice their concerns. Several of the more contentious options on the table include proposals to consolidate smaller schools and to cut salaries for teachers.
Some of last night's speakers spoke out against closing smaller schools like Acequia Madre Elementary School. Others called for teachers' pay to be preserved and for the board to look for savings by cutting administrative staff salaries.
Board Member Frank Montano said the district has to consider all of the options, including closing schools. Board member Richard Polese responded that the estimated $1 million in savings from consolidating schools like Kaune, Alvord and Larragoite wasn't worth it.
Other proposals being considered by the board include cutting sports and arts programs, increasing classroom sizes and closing Santa Fe High School's south campus.
