Congratulations to Jefferson Montessori Academy, who received a $20,000 grant through the American Library Association. Even through 77 libraries across the country were recognized, the ALA COVID Library Relief Fund’s only recipient in New Mexico was Carlsbad’s JMA Academy.
Funds will be used to expand access for students with new reference databases and eBooks in science and social studies. JMA currently serves about 300 students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school had to spend a great deal of its resources moving to remote learning during the pandemic, which left the library with a minimal budget. Special thanks to JMA principal Kelli Barta and Librarian Lorie Mitchell for all of their hard work in obtaining this grant that will serve Carlsbad’s children.
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Carlsbad’s Weatherwatch Forecast is back in service. We received an email from long-time weather expert Tony Pastorello notifying us that his weather monitoring and reporting are taking place again. Tony had been out for four months due to illness. You can call Weatherwatch at (575) 885-1848 at any time for concise and accurate weather forecasts. Tony has been in Carlsbad since 1975 and says he greatly enjoys being able to serve the community again. Thank you to Tony and Linda Pastorello for their many years of service to this community.
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Carlsbad Municipal Schools is hosting a community update on school safety in response to the recent tragic school shootings in Ulvade, Texas. This forum will be from 7-8 p.m. Monday, June 13 at the P.R. Leyva Auditorium. School officials and first responders will participate in the panel. If you can’t make it in person, you’ll be able to join online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84073091525. We know parents have a lot of questions and appreciate the school district for organizing this event.
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The City of Carlsbad held a public meeting on Wednesday to discuss its Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). This is a five year plan that is updated annually. If you weren’t able to make the meeting, you can still submit comments to abtesta@cityofcarlsbadnm.com. Priorities include the Double Eagle Waterline and the Dark Canyon Bridge. Other items on the list include the Primary Sewer Lift Station Well, the Rose Street Sewer Force Main and the development of a Public Safety Mobile Command Center. We will consider public feedback and develop a final ICIP in August for consideration by City Council.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway