Majority of LCPS educators have been vaccinated as students prepare to return
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- Tuesday marked the last school board meeting before thousands of Las Cruces students return to the classroom. (You can watch it in the video player above.)
There are nearly 25,000 students in the district. A spokeswoman for Las Cruces Public Schools said schools are still working to determine who will return on April 6.
Tuesday also marked the first board meeting for Interim Superintendent Ralph Ramos.
"It's been an honor serving this district in memory of Dr. Trujillo," Ramos said. "Our district is in good hands."
According to his presentation, 67% of educators who answered a survey say they have been fully vaccinated. Almost 12% who answered say they don't intend to get the vaccine.
The chief human resources officer for the district reiterated that "it's not a condition of employment."
"Yes, but they can potentially infect each other," said Señora Maria Flores, the board member for district three. "Even though they chose not to get it and I know it's not a condition of employment, I feel that it's not safe."
Board member Terrie Dallman worried that educators thought their return signaled the end of the public health crisis.
"Teachers had heard from administration that the pandemic was over," said Dallman, who represents district two. "It is not over by any means."
The Las Cruces Public Schools Board of Education also voted to create a committee that would consider naming the district's central office after the late superintendent, Karen Trujillo.
“The Friday after her passing, it was very painful," recalled Irma Valdespino, the president of the Classified School Employees Council. "I waited for her. For her weekly Friday call. It was painful. The time came and went."
Below, you can watch a touching interview that Valley View Elementary students did with Trujillo on the day of her death. It would be Trujillo's final interview.
Board members must now plan the search for a permanent superintendent.
