On Tuesday, Carlsbad Municipal Schools made a difficult decision related to next year’s school calendar. After careful consideration, the school board voted, 3-2, not to add additional days to the calendar. The board had been asked to consider adding 10 days or 25 days as other alternatives. This was a state option created as a possible path to offset the academic setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. It was a lengthy school board meeting, with a large number of residents participating in the public forum.
All five members of our school board asked questions and spoke their feelings while weighing this complicated issue. We have an excellent school district with excellent teachers, and we will move forward as a community. Thank you to Ron Singleton, David Shoup, Simon Rubio, Robbie Chacon and Trent Cornum for their efforts on the board. We know many of our school board members have been reaching out to members of the community over the past few weeks to get feedback. They took the responsibility of this decision very seriously. Thank you to Dr. Washburn and his staff as well for their hard work and dedication.
Carlsbad participation has also been great during the ongoing WIPP hearing taking place this week. On Tuesday, twelve local residents participated in one of two public comment sessions, and all of them spoke in favor of the permit modification to add a new shaft at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The few individuals who spoke in opposition to this process were members of organizations from northern New Mexico who have been opposed to WIPP for many decades. Other members of our community submitted letters in support of this permit, which will improve ventilation in the underground.
The Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition is looking for youth ages 12 to 17 who are interested in improving their community. Please visit tinyurl.com/coalitioncouncil and complete a brief nomination form. The organization has a lot planned for next year but is looking for a fresh perspective.
Don’t forget to swing by downtown on Thursday (May 20) to participate in the 2021 Farmers & Makers Market ribbon cutting at the Eddy County gazebo. The ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. and Zia Bike & Board Shop is also celebrating a grand opening with a live radio remote. For more information, please visit https://www.ziabikeandboardshop.com/
Ken Britt will also be offering tours of the Cavern Theater throughout the evening. Tours will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. No reservations are needed.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway