LCPS to discuss 6–12 Academy plans at 4 p.m. work session
LCPS will discuss its proposed 6–12 Academy at a 4 p.m. work session Tuesday, including focus group feedback and the district’s planning timeline.
District will review parent, student and staff feedback as planning continues for proposed academy linking existing middle and high school programs
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces Public Schools will revisit its proposed 6–12 Academy during a Board of Education work session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, giving parents and community members another look at the district’s evolving plans before a final model is brought forward.
The board is scheduled to hear an update on focus groups held Aug. 18 and 19, work by the district’s steering committee and the continuing design process for the proposed academy.
No action on the academy is scheduled Tuesday. The item is listed for discussion and information only, with no proposed motion.
The work session will be held in the board room at the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Administration Complex, 505 S. Main St., Suite 249.
Damien Willis
Focus groups drew 42 participants
District materials show 42 people participated in the August focus groups: 27 parents, nine students, three staff members and three community members.
Students told the district they wanted the academy to preserve trusted relationships with teachers, provide more active and project-based learning, expand course and career options and give students a meaningful voice in shaping the school.
Parents and community members emphasized preserving successful programs and school culture while improving communication, providing equitable access and addressing transportation, parking and safety concerns.
Staff members similarly urged the district to preserve school culture, clarify staffing and leadership early, define roles carefully and ensure the facility is ready to support the proposed academy.
The 6–12 Academy would build on programs now operating at Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy and Rio Grande Preparatory Institute, both located at 2355 Avenida De Mesilla in Mesilla. LCPS has previously estimated enrollment at roughly 250 to 300 students.
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Support Organ Mountain NewsMore public input planned
Tuesday’s discussion is only one step in a longer process.
According to the district’s current timeline, the steering committee is scheduled to continue work Sept. 8. Additional listening sessions are planned later in September for students at Rio Grande Preparatory Institute and Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy, along with an information session for LCPS fifth-graders.
The district also plans an “Academy Experience” open house and feedback survey before returning to the Board of Education Sept. 29 with another update.
A date for possible board approval has not yet been set.
The district has said additional stakeholder feedback will be gathered before a final academy framework is presented to the board.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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