LCPS expands redistricting meeting schedule with virtual and Spanish options

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces Public Schools redistricting process is gaining momentum with additional public input opportunities as the district prepares for a potential Board of Education vote on new attendance zones on Dec. 17.

To ensure broad community participation, LCPS has added two new meetings to its schedule: a virtual town hall on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. and a Spanish-language session on Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Administration Complex, 505 S. Main Street.

The redistricting plan, launched in August, aims to address student population imbalances ahead of the next school year. The changes are tied to the opening of Columbia Elementary School and are designed to alleviate overcrowding in East Mesa schools while potentially increasing enrollment at Mayfield High School.

LCPS Chief of Student Services and Community Relations Sherley O’Brien has led the initiative with the support of a Redistricting Advisory Committee. The group, comprising parents, students, teachers and administrators, has met regularly since September to shape the plan.

The district has also engaged the public through a survey available in English and Spanish until Dec. 10. The survey allows stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes, complementing input gathered at town hall meetings held earlier this month at Organ Mountain High School and Mayfield High School.

Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz emphasized the importance of community involvement.

“This process ensures that our families have a voice in shaping the future of our schools. We want every parent, teacher and student to feel heard,” Ruiz said.

The redistricting process follows Policy JCAA, which grants the Board of Education the authority to adjust school attendance zones based on population shifts and the opening of new schools. The final proposal, informed by feedback from the Redistricting Advisory Committee, town halls and survey responses, will be presented to the board on Dec. 17.

Key Upcoming Dates

• Dec. 4, 2024: Virtual Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.
• Dec. 5, 2024: Spanish-language Town Hall at 5:30 p.m., Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Administration Complex.
• Dec. 17, 2024: LCPS Board of Education meeting, including a potential vote on new attendance zones.

For more information, visit the LCPS Redistricting Advisory Committee’s webpage on the district’s website.