New Mexico Department of Education alleges open meetings act violations on Las Cruces school board

The secretary of the New Mexico Department of Education is threatening to suspend the Las Cruces Public School Board for alleged violations of the open meetings act,if the board fails to undergo specific training.

All nine alleged violations are detailed in a three page letter written by Secretary Hannah Skandera to the school board members.

In the letter Skandera says for almost a year, her office has received numerous complaints regarding the behavior of the board. Some of the allegations focus on Board President Maria Flores for not following the rules when recording meeting minutes, making decisions with out the board’s approval and telling Superintendent Stan Rounds they didn’t “have to act” on a directive by Skandera to report teacher absences.

Secretary of the board Barbra Hall says the Public Education Department called her and asked about her concerns. She tells ABC-7 she is concerned about the board’s integrity.

Skandera is requesting the school board undergo 60 days of training with documentation of attendance provided by the New Mexico School Boards Association. Refresher training will be scheduled at least twice a year until the board demonstrates it can operate “within the scope of its charge.”

The letter was also sent to Governor Susana Martinez and Attorney General Hector Balderas.

Skandera states the alleged violations will be reported to the Attorney General’s Office for investigation and action.

President Maria Flores could not be reached for comment. Vice President Chuck Davis told ABC-7 he has not seen the letter and could not comment.