Greetings Taos Schools and Community!

(Editor’s Note: Taos Friction reprints excerpts from the letter Mr. Francis Hahn, a union rep, sent out to the community about the school board’s consideration of the controversial “Chrysalis” re-location from the Canon school to the high school.)

“It’s about kindness. It’s about treating everybody the way you want to be treated.”–Dr. Torrez 

By Francis Hahn

This is your friendly neighborhood union rep with the School Board Report for Tuesday, July 21st, 2015.

Board members Chavez, Sanborn, Flores, and Goler were present. Member Silva was absent.

It was a packed meeting, with easily over one hundred people in attendance to support the Chrysalis Alternative School and oppose its relocation to the back wing of Taos High School.

Board President Chavez began the meeting by making a motion to move presentations regarding the El Prado Community Center, by County Commissioner Tom Blankenhorn, and issuance of $2.5 million in Education Technology Notes, by John Archuleta, ahead of the public comments on the agenda.

This was likely due to the fact that there were two-dozen people signed up to speak during public comments.

In doing so, however, Mr. Chavez (unwittingly?) sent the implicit message to those in the audience that their comments could wait while the Board handled more pressing business, and dignitaries like Mr. Archuleta and Mr. Blankenhorn (who was also asked to lead the room in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance) should not be inconvenienced by having to wait through nettlesome public blather.

The Board approved this motion.

Mr. Sanborn then made a motion to move the superintendent’s report ahead of the public comments on the agenda so that the Board could hear her justification for the relocation of Chrysalis first. He stated that this would give context for the ensuing discussion of the school.

While he may not have realized it at the time, had he not done this, Dr. Torrez would have had to present her justification after hearing the public comments, which could potentially have altered the outcome of the meeting…

Nevertheless, the Board approved this motion as well.

(Taos Friction skipped the report re: the El Prado School proposal from the County and the bonds issues.)

The superintendent’s report was next. Dr. Torrez began with a brief presentation on an anti-bullying program she’s fond of called “Rachel’s Challenge.” She stated “District-wide we’ve been looking at best practices for anti-bullying programs.”

She then showed two brief videos. The program was developed in the wake of the massacre at Columbine High School by the family of one of the slain students. Dr. Torrez stated that it involves a school-wide assembly during the day followed by a community assembly in the evening. “We did this in Questa,” she said. “It made huge changes in people’s lives. If you know anyone from Questa, ask them.”

“It’s about kindness,” Dr. Torrez said. “It’s about treating everybody the way you want to be treated.”

She indicated that the program is currently being utilized in 3,000 districts across the nation. The Rachel’s Challenge assemblies will take place on September 15th and 16th.

Mr. Flores stated that he thought it looked like a great initiative.

Dr. Torrez expressed confidence that “everybody will like it.”

                                        Canon schoolroom (Irving Rusinow 1941)

The Chrysalis Story 

With the important business out of the way, the Board moved on to Chrysalis.

Before Dr. Torrez began to give her justification for the Chrysalis relocation, Mark Richert, head of the THS English department and the facilitator at Monday night’s community meeting on Chrysalis, reminded her that she had promised him five minutes to report on the results of the meeting. Dr. Torrez invited him to step forward.

Mark began by asking the audience not to disrupt the meeting vocally but instead to use a set of color-coded cards that had been provided to them to express how they feel about the Chrysalis relocation: a red card to say “keep the school where it is,” a green card to say “the school should be relocated to the high school,” and a yellow card to say, “we need to change the process of how the district makes decisions.”

Immediately most of the audience raised both their red and yellow cards.

What follows is an exact transcript of what Mark presented to the Board:

Last night I facilitated a meeting — sponsored by TFUSE — at the Chrysalis Alternative High School to provide a forum for the people of our community to express their thoughts, concerns, and offer their suggestions about the recent decision to move the Chrysalis Alternative High School to a section of Taos High School. An estimated 100 people showed up, with representation from the school district administration, elected public officials – including board members Flores and Goler – Chrysalis parents and students, district teachers, TFUSE members, non-profits, and community members. The meeting lasted for four hours with many opportunities for groups or individuals to express their experiences and concerns question others.

As can be expected with such a large turnout to discuss a heated controversy, there was much head shaking and nodding, smiles, scowls, laughs, and tears. Throughout it all there remained a focused intensity on where and how to best serve the at-risk students in our community.

The district first presented information in support of its decision to relocate the Chrysalis School. Led mostly by Dr. Torrez, but with support from Mr. Ivanovich, Ms. Cavazos, and Ms. Winter, the district suggested that Chrysalis had significant compliance issues, faculty certification problems, supervision difficulties, and management deficiencies, in addition to facilities and budgetary considerations.
Most of these assertions were contested by Chrysalis teachers Cervio and Weisfeld, along with numerous community members. was an outpouring of alternative information, ideas and suggestions.

Notable comments were:

Doug Patterson spoke to some of the building issues facing the district. He offered that the building is “usable” in its present condition. The Henrys, both architects, believe the building has its “E-Occupancy”, which means the facility is fit for educational activities.

There was an outpouring of alternative information, suggestions, and observations.

All Chrysalis students and parents present were very supportive of and grateful to the current Chrysalis staff and facility. One mother mentioned that she has three dropouts from Taos High School, but her current child has found a nurturing home at Chrysalis. A different mother said she could not find appropriate help and intervention for her son at Taos High, which culminated in a brutal fight, and he was told he had to leave the high school for Chrysalis. At Chrysalis he feels safe and calm. She said he will not attend the high school. One more mother added that she sees growth with her child at Chrysalis that she has not seen at other schools. Lastly, a father of a student offered that he saw an immediate turn around in his son when he started going to Chrysalis, like a light switch going on.

One student expressed confusion why, because she is considered “regular ed,” she was dropped from Chrysalis when she had finally discovered her educational home and family. A different student, who experienced many problems at schools in other states and districts in NM, stated that the Chrysalis community gave her a family, and it “turned me around.”

From a UNM instructor: Chrysalis is transformative and offers a nonrestrictive environment and in many ways is successful in ways that our other schools should observe and incorporate. He also noted that we have attendance and academic problems at all our schools, so picking out Chrysalis for these problems is unfair. This instructed has worked with many Chrysalis graduates at UNM over the years and finds them to be talented, well-adjusted young adults. This gentleman offered pro bono advisory and administrative services.

Community members who spoke at the meeting – without exception—support Chrysalis and its current staff. A summary of the types of comments spoken by the community are:

“no more marginalization of our at-risk student population. They deserve this community school.”

“they have already been pushed off to the side at THS. Why put them through that again?”

“don’t change this building or school. Give them the resources and personnel they need to thrive.”

“there’s ownership by staff and students. We should empathize and listen to what they say they need.”

“through the creative process provided by the teachers these young people find pride in themselves. Whoever teachers here needs to be ready to sweat love and compassion like these teachers do everyday.”

“these kids freak out when pushed out of their comfort zone. The high school is out of their comfort zone, and when these kids freak out it’s not pretty.”

“this sense of space and environment is essential and cannot be replaced.”

Canon school child plays “broadcast” (Photographer, Irving Rusinow 1941)

I think this gives an accurate overview of the evening, and to be sure there were some tense and contentious moments, but what you need to know is that there was a strong consensus during the last 45 minutes of the meeting from the remaining 45 or so participants, that the decision to move Chrysalis happened far too quickly, without adequate community stakeholder input, with reasons and the process for the decision remaining unclear.

One community member commented that it seems educators are spending 30 – 60 percent of their time working on issues that don’t directly involve children. In recent months I have heard common refrains from school board members and administrators that their hands are tied on so many current issues in education. I’ve repeatedly said publicly that a public school administrator has the toughest and most important job in the country – I respect all of you. However, please recognize that sometimes we weave the twine around our own hands and convince ourselves that someone else has put it there. Sometimes someone really did do the tying for us. But we always have a choice.

In 2012 a Pakistani girl was shot in the head by the Taliban for standing up for her educational rights and beliefs. Miraculously, she recovered. She forgave her would be assassins, started an educational non-profit, and, last year, Malala Mousufazi, at the age of 17, became the youngest person to win the Nobel peace prize. She will be a senior this year. She could be in my class. Whenever I start to think I’m trapped or my hands are tied, I revisit Malala’s story to free myself, to free myself to have the courage to do what I believe is right.

A week from now, a month from now, a year from now, I want to look back on this Chrysalis situation and be able to say, “That was painful and frustrating . . . at first, but it was the beginning of renewed, genuine and regular transparent community and school district effort to create the safest and best learning environment for not only Chrysalis students, but all our youth.” The community is prepared to assist you. Please allow us to do so.

Thank you.

Dr. Torrez followed this with her justification for the relocation.

She stated that the previous superintendent had recommended to her that she close of the school. In looking at the situation, she said, she “could have easily closed it at that time.” She reported that there was disagreement between the leadership team and Chrysalis teachers in the first month of school. “They said we’re not going to work with you if that’s the way it’s going to be.”

She suggested that after this, Special Education Director Jim Ivanovich and the Chrysalis teachers worked together to learn how to do IEPs and fix some compliance issues. “All previous directors have had issues as well,” she said.

She suggested that she asked teachers around the district for their opinion of Chrysalis. She indicated that she “didn’t get anything but negative information.”

She said in the last few days, “families and parents were contacted,” and that “9 or 10 were O.K. with moving to the high school.”

“I’m not saying we’re moving,” she added. “I’m just saying this is a part of it.”

She noted that she had received six letters and ten emails all asking her not to close Chrysalis and to keep it in its current location. “Chrysalis is not going to close,” she said. “It has nothing to do with closing a school.”

She added, “Directors have been working many hours every day” with Doug Patterson, facilities and maintenance, Mr. Spinelli, teachers and the high school principal. “There are a lot of advantages [at the high school]” she said. “Since we’ve been working on this we already have computers, equipment, furniture, four beautiful rooms, social workers, Non Violence Works, 10 – 12 employees working with these students. A transition specialist is already looking at IEPs.”

She suggested that because of the situation at Chrysalis “my license will be taken if we do not move the school.” She hinted darkly that she “cannot live with some of the things that have gone on. It would be irresponsible on my part if I don’t do the right thing.” She noted that other administrators could lose their licenses over Chrysalis as well, but she did not indicate the specific reasons why.

“If you were up here, I know that you would feel the stress that I feel right now. Do I move or do I let it go? All the directors and all the teachers involved—100% said we have to do something.”

She noted that her team is working on a long-term plan and that Doug Patterson is working on a place for a garden and a farm on the THS campus.

She also suggested that community support for the move is strong: “I have 100 people that have said the time has come to do this.”

This statement drew the ire of the audience, which had listened politely to this point. Several people around the Board room called out, “Where are they? Where are these 100 people? Why aren’t they here?”

“I understand that this angers people,” Dr. Torrez said. “Some of these are teachers—I’ll be honest with you.”

The audience continued to ask why there weren’t any supporters of the move at the meeting. All around the room people were holding up their red and yellow cards.

“I’m not here to put a fight together to have people completely in opposition,” she said. “This will be its own school—a place, a sanctuary.”

The audience took issue with her use of the word “sanctuary” which many people used to describe the building that currently houses Chrysalis at the previous night’s meeting. “Don’t steal our word!” People called out.

“I understand the issue is going to be difficult,” she said. “I have half that want one thing, half that want another, a place is ready to go. We’re going to table the portable. We don’t need it. I’ll review all information and make a decision after listening to all of you here.”

Returning to the subject of the apparently egregious and unspeakable goings-on at the school, she said “The issues a the school have been hidden for longer than I have been here and I now have to do this. I have to take action and find a solution. There’s confidential information that I wish I could tell you. It is frustrating that this information cannot be shared with the public.”

Speaking vaguely about what the new Chrysalis would look like at THS, she noted that it would increase learning and safety. “Once you hear about the program and once you feel comfortable that the kids will be safe, I believe you will like the program, but I am not able to provide any information at this time.”

Regarding the previous night’s community meeting, she said that there had been some inaccuracies, such as the statement by one community member that THS has a graduation rate of only 50%, (It’s actually 76%, she said) and that she didn’t feel she was allowed to respond. “There was some disrespect,” she said. “But I have received some apologies which I appreciate.”

Concluding, she sated that she will “review all information,” and that “students will be at the forefront.”

“I have no reason to let somebody go or not go, move or not move, except for these student,” she said.

Moving on to the strategic plan, she stated that the final version is up on the school web site. The SchoolZone Taos collaboration with the SMU Budd Center is going forward. The high school just received a “High School at Work” grant that will include career “Pathways.” She specifically thanked Mary Spears and Carla Chavez for their work on the grant. She also noted that there will be new truancy coaches and an extra counselor and social worker at the middle school thanks to a grant put together by Mr. Ivanovich.

Mr. Sanborn noted that the kickoff for SchoolZone Taos at the Mural Room had a huge turnout, much like the turnout in support of Chrysalis at this meeting. He stated that it speaks well of the community’s commitment. “I feel I’ve gotten a lot of calls on [Chrysalis]. People care about what goes on there and the reason why (his emphasis) it’s there. Not to weigh in one way or the other—and I hope that that is not something the Board has to start doing—this issue is on the edge. It does make a difference when you contact me. I appreciate the contact and the content of the contact.”

Next, Board President Chavez also spoke on the large turnout. “One of the things that is really impressive about the community,” he said, “is that when there is an issue that is of real importance, people want to speak up. It’s great that we have a venue for people to say what they want to say. I appreciate the respectful tone, without which we could not have the discussion.”

Thereafter, he noted that the typical amount of time allotted for public comments was 30 minutes, which, given the number of people signed up to speak, would limit each speaker to about a minute and a half. However, rather than enforce so short a time limit, he asked that each speaker limit himself to three minutes. He also cautioned that personal attacks are discouraged during public comments and subject to civil action.

County Commissioner Candyce O’Donnell was first to speak during public comments.

She stated that, as a commissioner representing the Canon community, she had “serious concerns about moving the school and the lack of responsiveness from School Board President Chavez.” She stated that she had put in an inspection of public records request for information on the committee that made the recommendation to move the school. She indicated that she had questions about the objectiveness of the group and possible conflicts of interest in regard to members of the committee that potentially stand to benefit from the relocation.

“Compliance issues can be addressed in Canon,” she said.

“After hearing hours of comments last night,” she noted there was one comment that stood out in particular. “A Mexican mother who needed a translator said she would not send her son back to the high school because of the fights.”

“I think these kids need the rural environment,” she said. “I’m afraid for the future of these kids. All the wonderfully enhanced programs may fall flat in the face of behavioral issues.”

She suggested that the Board had been warned not to interfere because of NM House Bill 2112. Speaking directly to Board President Chavbez, she said, “I begged you to put the discussion of Chrysalis on the agenda. You told me to get a public information request.”

Addressing the Board as a whole, she said “Your passiveness may come back to haunt you. I understand it can be very uncomfortable to hear people who disagree with you. Please show us transparency and accountability tonight.”

Next to speak was Roberta Salazar.

She stated that she has had the pleasure of working with Chrysalis teacher Orion Cervio. She was “blown away” by the art at the school. “The kids had so much pride and they were so gracious,” she said.

She recounted how she had been invited to work with Chrysalis students on Ecology projects.

She spoke specifically about her son, who dropped out of THS. “I was worried,” she said. “At Chrysalis he felt like he had a community that honored and respected him.”

Regarding the Chrysalis teachers, she said, “I do think that Orion and Jason and Carlos are very passionate about those kids. If we move [the school] there’s a good chance we’ll lose those kids.”

“I hope you’ll put your hearts into this decision,” she concluded.

Judy Gano was next: “If it’s a done deal,” she said, “why are we having a meeting?”

She suggested that not all students learn in the same way and that alternative schools have a long history.

“Any problems at Chrysalis can be dealt with there,” she said. The school is “fortunate to have two dedicated teachers. There’s no better example of valuing our kids and their education than Chrysalis … The students all said the same thing: their lives were changed by the opportunity to succeed in a different way. Moving them out of that space doesn’t serve them.”

Your friendly neighborhood union rep was next:

I pointed out that this move is likely to feel punitive to the kids. After a few years, students will gain the perception that the Chrysalis corner is where the “bad” kids go. Students will be given warnings and be put on contracts, and then when they break those agreements, as at risk youth inevitably do, they will be shunted off to the back of the school where they won’t disrupt the general education setting.

The students want to stay where they are. The parents want their kids to stay where they are. At least three Board members have stated on the record that they’d like the school to remain for a year to plan and study the issue. The community’s wish is that the school remain where it is.

“Dr. Torrez,” I said, “Please consider this prudent option: delay the move for one year and establish community meetings to discuss the needs of at risk youth. Together we can create a strategic plan specifically aimed at these youth. If the community ultimately decides to move the school, it can do so knowing that it has a real plan. On the other hand, if the community decides to keep the school in Canon, it will have a plan for how to address the compliance issues.”

Tressa McBride, an aunt of a Chrysalis student, was up next.

Her niece lived formerly in California and was enrolled in the public schools there. She was bullied, her grandfather died, and she began to feel that she couldn’t handle school. So Tressa invited her to move in with her here in Taos and got her into Chrysalis.

According to Tressa, her niece has “thrived there. She loves these teachers.” Turning to Orion and Jason, she said, “Thank you guys so much.

Tressa stated that she believed her niece would drop out rather than go to the high school.

She then presented a petition with 540 signatures to the Board requesting that the district keep the school where it is.

Jim Martin followed Ms. McBride.

He has been an adjunct instructor at Chrysalis for 10 years. He started with Taos Men Engaged in Nonviolence. He teaches casting and welding. “Basically,” he said, “If I can find something that they’re interested in, that’s what I do.”

“Chrysalis is a place of belonging,” he said. “They bring in different experiences to get the students to react, to feel like they belong. It’s a place where we can really meet them where they are. We try any way we can to make them feel inspired to have a meaningful life. That’s what we’re there for.”

Patricia McCabe was the next to speak. She thanked the superintendent and the Board for their service. She also suggested that she understood Dr. Torrez’s position because both of her parents were educators. Her father was an administrator at Native colleges across the country.

Raising five children gave her plenty of experience with the Taos schools. One of her children graduated from Taos High, gained acceptance to Pomona College, and became a lawyer. Another left Taos High and finished at Chamisa Mesa. Two of her children dropped out in the 10th grade. “That was a real shock,” she said, “coming from a family so deeply committed to education.”

“With regard to my first son,” she said, “I tried to change his course. But in the case of my second son, I said, ‘I can’t blame you – with what goes on there.’”

“I want our young people to want their lives,” she said. “My daughter is the initiator of the Taos Regeneration Festival because she watched her friends make destructive decisions. Some have taken their lives.”

“I know for my own children, they would never feel the same having to move from this place. It is about geography, and having to move into that place they cannot exist in.”

“If we can save some of these kids lives by waiting a year,” she said, “If we can save one life, it would be worth it.”

“Let us be elders in this community.”

Jill Klein followed Pat McCabe.

“I don’t have kids in the Taos Municipal Schools anymore,” she said. “I have kids in the charters now. I made that decision because I had a child in the schools staring at the walls. It wasn’t the teachers’ fault. He learned differently. Our children have different ways of learning and there are a multitude of children who are hugely at risk.”

Indicating the petition, she said, “540 people – they’re here tonight. They want to be involved and want to be part of the solution for the children of our community. I’m begging for Taos Municipal Schools to really truly listen.”

“You have people who want to help,” she said. “One year – we can figure out the compliance issues. It’s not about moving Chrysalis to a couple of rooms at the high school. Work on the compliance issues where the students are.”

“It’s time to listen to what the children need,” she said, “not the egos.”

Next, the Board called Gess Healey, who gave a letter to each Board member and the superintendent.

“I know the teachers there are working whole-heartedly,” she said. “Students have a safe haven. There is plenty of evidence to demonstrate that these students are engaged in useful activities.”

Regarding the location of the school, she said, “The environment insulates them from the temptations at the traditional school.”

Megan Bradley followed.

She began by noting that THS is an “amazing school” and that it was “[her] pleasure to work there every day.”

“I’ll never have a better job,” she said. “It’s an amazing place,” she added, “for most students.”

But, she noted, not for all students. “There was a student in my class who would just look down. No matter what I did I couldn’t get a response. He would walk the halls – do anything to avoid my class. Later I was lucky enough to run into that student at Chrysalis and find him happy and engaged.”

“There’s nothing wrong with THS,” she said. “But sometimes there are students who need another place to go. Many of the problems happen in the parking lot, the courtyard, the cafeteria, hiding in the little gym.”

“It’s not because the high school is a bad place,” she said. “It’s because some kids really need another option.”

She turned to Principal Robbie Trujillo of THS, her voice charged with emotion, and implored: “Robbie Trujillo, you are a good man and I know you know that this is a bad idea. I have sat across from you in meetings when you advocated for students to go to Chrysalis.”

People all over the room held their red and yellow cards high.

Turning to Dr. Torrez, she said, “As Orion’s wife, I know he can be difficult. If you see him angry it’s only because he feels that something he loves is being destroyed and he has to fight for it – and I think that is a fantastic quality in a man, and a father, and a teacher.”

“I know you can work together,” she concluded. “I know he wants to work with you.”

The Chrysalis teachers, Orion Cervio and Jason Wiesfeld, followed in Mrs. Bradley’s wake.

Orion thanked the audience for coming. “I’m grateful to see all of these people – your hearts in this room. The fact that you’ve shown up for these kids, these amazing kids,” he paused. “Now they know that you are here for them.”

Jason added that he had been a teacher in taos for 18 years.

“I’ve had many opportunities to jump ship,” he said. “I’ve always said ‘no’ because this is the community I grew up in and the people I can serve best are in this district.”

“Last night I showed a side of myself that was full of hurt. I apologize. This is an opportunity for healing.”

“We have sent the Board members the Board policy that would allow them to take action. I’m not a lawyer,” he said, “but my father was one.”

“We’re three – four weeks from the start of school. We need a decision tonight. The students need to know where they’re going so they can move on.”

“Last year,” he said, “Most students who were not allowed into Chrysalis did drop out.”

“Please make a decision tonight. I ask Dr. Torrez to make a decision or a Board member to make a motion.”

“We have put in for leave,” he said. “In our opinion this move is not good for students and we don’t want to be a part of it. If I don’t hear from you tonight, I will not be back.”

Camile Rose was next.

She recounted the story of her younger sister who was on the streets at 18, into drugs, homeless. She’s 34 now. She suggested that her sister is exactly the sort of student who would have benefitted from the alternative structure and environment of created at Chrysalis.

“This decision does not appear to be being made for students,” she said. “You seem to be treating us like we’re stupid.”

“You’re setting them up for joblessness, drugs, violence, criminal futures.”

Following Camile was Nicole Romero.

She stated that as an advisor with UNM she visited Chrysalis regularly. “It’s one of my favorite schools,” she said. “An old building with history and character.”

She noted that the artwork and murals display student talent, create positive feedback from the community, and build self esteem.

“These kids, disenfranchised by the school system and labeled ‘at risk,’ are accepted for who they are at Chrysalis,” she said. “For the first time in their lives, they have a sense of belonging. They say, ‘If it wasn’t for Chrysalis, I wouldn’t have graduated.”

She stated that it is a model that should be replicated, not dismantled, “because it works.”

“If changes are proposed, they should be thought out in an open manner with participation by the whole community.”

City Councilor Fritz Hahn was the next up. He also presented a letter to the Board and thanked them for their service.

“I’m grateful to have folks like you pick up the mantle of social service,” he said.

“That being said,” he went on, “I’m hearing very little objective statistical evidence that would warrant a move.” He suggested that Chrysalis data could be compared to the Opportunity School at THS, which had a similar model to what the superintendent has proposed to do with Chrysalis: students separated in a corner of the school and isolated from the rest of the population. “I’m wondering, if we compared Chrysalis to the Opportunity School, what would we learn?”

“Anecdotes are heartwarming,” he said, “but I’m a stats guy.”

“It does not seem that compliance issues warrant a move. It does not seem to be about finances.”

“We heard from Doug Patterson last night that Chrysalis has a 5,000 sqare foot overage. If I have my numbers right, this would be about a $50,000 cost to stay in Chrysalis,” he said. “Considering that our elders built those walls, no plans, no requests for proposal, it’s a building that has cultural benefits and architectural history. We need to factor that reality with the kind of students that go to Chrysalis.”

“The Building itself offers a therapeutic benefit,” he said. “It’s more than a building – there’s blood in those walls.”

“Quarantining the students will exacerbate their low self-esteem,” he noted. “And that will lead to increased drop outs.”
“Here’s an amazing hypothesis,” he went on. “There’s a lot of literature about the high school to prison pipeline. Students becoming involved in the court system.”

“Chrysalis, because of its placement off site, interrupts the high school to prison pipeline.”

He noted that Janelle Livingstone and previous Board members created Chrysalis specifically to meet the needs of at risk youth.

To conclude he asked the Board to consider the intended and unintended consequences. “This evaluation will take time and should include all stakeholders.”

Gerrit VanEvery followed Councilor Hahn.

“This is a tale of two committees,” he said. “One that was secret and one that is a real community.”

“I’m a former teacher,” he said. “I was forced out.”

Regarding the administrators who supported the relocation, he said, “They voted against the desires of our community to protect themselves.”

Someone in the audience shouted, “Cowards!”

“We know for a fact that in moving Chrysalis there is a minimum of damage we will do,” he said. “We will lose these teachers – three of the best teachers in Taos.”

“The second piece of damage we’ll do,” he added, “we’ve heard from parents and students – we know students are going to drop out if we move the school because they’ve said they will. So, at a minimum we are losing three amazing teachers and we’ll have dropouts. And those are just the minimum consequences. Like Counselor Hahn said, we can hardly predict the unintended consequences.”

“And when these three go,” he said, indicating Orion, Carlos, and Jason, “who will step into their shoes? I’d like to see anyone who was on that committee to take up that role.”

Connie White came up after Gerrit.

She stated that in 19 years of teaching, she has seen a lot of children grow up with challenges.

“Some kids that come to school have parents who are in jail and they’re living with grandparents.”

It is a comfort, she said, “knowing that there is an alternative school for these kids.”

“I am honored to have had a few of my former students attend Chrysalis. They’ve come in as mentors in my classroom.”

She recounted how this past year Chrysalis students came to Enos Garcia Elementary as part of a “reading to prevent racism” project. “They came in and read to my students,” she said.

“I wonder about the safety of these kids that need an alternative space,” she said, noting that one of the Chrysalis students had to leave her classroom because dealing with a room full of first graders was overwhelming for him. “If he can’t handle a room full of first graders, can you imagine him in the hallways of the high school?”

“It is their home. It honors their humanity. They built it. I don’t want to see it go away.”

She challenged the superintendent to reveal the issues she’s so concerned about. “Can you put it in writing for the paper? I haven’t seen [any problems].”

Nat Wilson followed Connie.

“I just want to advocate for the kids at Chrysalis,” he said. “I’ve worked with them for two years. Many of them I worked with as an elementary teacher. I’ve seen amazing transformation in their behaviors.”

“I gather the main issue is the location,” he said. “I cannot express how much the building is important. The building has something that you cannot duplicate anywhere. It’s a very special place, and the kids deserve it.”

She suggested that it should speak volumes that Orion, Jason and Carlos are, “willing to put their careers on the line” for the school.

Cindy Valerio was up next.

She said that since 1980 she’s worked at tri-county, at every school, doing individual therapy, and group therapy, and she’s seen kids who “didn’t get what they need at the high school.”

She stated that, “Just the fact that kids [at Chrysalis] do what they’re interested in is an incredible gift.”

Many Chrysalis students have participated in her “Night of a Thousand Stars” youth theater event.

“I like the idea of giving the school one year,” she said. “Wait and give it a chance.”

Former School Board Member Stella Gallegos came up after Cindy.

She stated that she has been an advocate for students with special needs for 30 years and that her son grew up with a disability.

“When I left the Board,” she said,” I said I’d be back here in the audience if any special education issues came up.”

“I used to sub at the high school when special education students were warehoused,” she said. “If they went into the regular building, they were accused of fighting. They’d end up in Casa Corazon and juvenile detention.”

“Teachers wouldn’t last in that program, and then I’d get called in to sub.”

“We have these great teachers here,” she said, “born and raised in Taos. They know the families and that’s what it takes.”

“I had to go back 15 years before I came to this meeting,” she said. She indicated that moving Chrysalis to the high school would take us back to where we were 15 years ago.

“Please,” she said, “Let’s not go back 15 years!”

“Leave Chrysalis where it is and we can start brainstorming. Why hasn’t anyone thought to ask the billionaire who bought Taos Ski Valley to do a tax write-off and pay for all the renovations?”

Janet Gabriel was next.

She is a retired Special Education teacher. “I know about compliance issues, special education issues, IEPs,” she said.

She suggested that rather than moving Chrysalis to the high school, it could be moved to the administration building as a compromise that would allow an off site space. “There’s a lot of space in this building. It once held many children. There’s room here. I love the idea of these children being able to keep their own space.”

“Children who live in stress – it’s very difficult for them to learn,” she said. “These children have huge difficulty in transition. I don’t want to see them have to transition from their beautiful environment.”

Next to last was Gabriel Daffron.

He stated that he’d been a teacher, mentor, and friend to many Chrysalis students.

He recounted that one of his former students had recently called him up and said “Hey, Mr. G! I’ve been promoted to the high school!”

“Only later did I learn this was because we were shutting Chrysalis down.”

He suggested that Dr. Torrez’s plan might work for students who really want to be at the high school, but for those who don’t, “shutting Chrysalis down is effectively ending their chance for success.” He proposed that having both options might be a good compromise.

“I’m from out of town,” he said. “I’m from Texas, and we have a saying there—‘poisoning the well.’ The last administration poisoned the well for this administration.”

The last speaker was Chrysalis student Brandon Giron.

He stated that he started out at Taos Day School. After he left, he said, “I was not doing very well. I was getting into trouble a lot.”

“They wanted to send me to Chrysalis,” he said. “So I went to check it out. It was nice. I liked it. I would like to see the school open for another year—couple of years.”

After Brandon sat down, there was a suspense-filled moment when the audience waited for the superintendent or a Board member to say something. (This, by the way, is where the superintendent’s report, and her justification for the move, would have come on the agenda if the Board hadn’t approved the motion to move it ahead of the public comments).

People waited expectantly, still holding their red and yellow cards high.

Then Board President Chavez said, “The next item on the agenda is the maintenance and grounds update… Mr. Valencia?”

There was a sigh of disappointment. People turned to each other with perplexed faces. Was the Board really going to move on without a word? Could the superintendent really hear so many thoughtful and earnest pleas and remain silent?

Apparently, yes. They could.

Mr. Robert Valencia came to the podium to give his maintenance update and people began filing quietly, more respectfully than perhaps was merited by the situation, toward the exits.

After the maintenance update, Mr. Doug Patterson gave the Board an update on the renovations at the high school. He indicated that the work should be finished two days before teachers are due back. Still a handful of audience members hung around the back of the room.

Mr. Sanborn asked that Doug keep the communication channel wide open. “For example,” he said, “If there’s any stuff in the way, stuff not finalized, headaches, surprises, let people know.”

Mr. Patterson assured the Board that he will work with the Principal to make sure staff are made aware.

Of course, it goes without saying that it would then fall to Mr. Trujillo to pass any information Doug gives him on to his staff…

Mr. Spinelli then gave a brief financial report. The Board approved a BAR for NM Grown FFV as well as MOUs for VGHS PowerSchool and TyeNet, and resurfacing of the high school track.

The Board looked at first readings of new policies regarding Public Comments and Food Service.

Mr. Sanborn asked if the new Public Comments policy could be discussed at the Board retreat on August 6th before it is approved.

After this, the Board entered executive session to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation, and that was, effectively, the end of the meeting.

I milled around outside for a while and talked to a few standers-by. The general feeling was one of dismay and disbelief. I overheard somebody say, “one thing’s for sure—now we’re gonna see more broken bottles, broken needles, and blue bodies.”

God help us if that’s true.

Walking home (my wife had the car) Robbie Trujillo pulled up along side me. “Want a lift?” He asked. Over the years, Robbie has often picked me up whenever he sees me walking to school in the mornings.

“Think I’m going to walk this one off,” I said.

“Okay,” he said, and drove on.

I said a rosary on my way down Salazar road.

It’d been a long time. The joyful mysteries were the only ones I could remember, but I meditated on them anyway as I mumbled the prayers under my breath.

Gabriel giving Mary the good news… Old Elizabeth feeling her baby, John, kick when Mary visits… Jesus in the manger surrounded loving onlookers… Joseph and Mary presenting Jesus in the temple… Mary finding her beloved son after leaving him behind…

The words that stuck out were the ones about remembering our trespasses, and forgiving those who trespass against us, and the blessedness of the fruit of the womb – the kids, right?

The next Board meeting is scheduled for August 4th.

This has been your friendly neighborhood union rep saying United We Bargain; Divided We Beg.

Yours in fellowship,

Francis Hahn

P.S. Editor’s Comments: Years ago, as a reporter for Horse Fly, I covered many of these same issues regarding Special Ed kids with alleged behavioral problems. Peer pressure as well as insensitive teachers and administrators at Taos High led directly to confrontations, labeling, dropping out, and encounters with the juvenile justice system. The board should reconsider the Superintendent’s ill-advised plan. Surely the testimony above suggests the board should seek a more orderly and patient approach to the challenge of keeping kids safe and in school.