My response to People Concerned about Cloudcroft Municipal Schools blog post

Margo. Just to clear the record I have yet to receive the packets with the petitions you mention. I received an email from from John Manford on Monday - I was at the School Board Law Conference all weekend. I did email him back Monday and tell him I would attempt to call him. I got busy reviewing information that Amanda Woeger and Mike Nivison sent me and didn't make contact. That could be an excuse, but I do actually listen to what people have to say - whether I like what they say or not. I would still welcome the opportunity to review the material, however, I can tell you after talking to numerous people at the law conference and some additional friends there is no way to simply fire our superintendent - as the petitions request. I know that is not the answer people want, but right now that is the reality people must face. That doesn't mean I'm spineless or don't have the guts to speak up - that means I want to ensure we aren't paying two superintendents and an assistant.
Our "assistant superintendent," which is a misnomer because she actually was our director of curriculum and testing, has been moved to the special ed director. This was done last week.
People also need to take a hard look at HB 212 to better understand the place school board members are in with regard to what they are entitled to do.
Tonight (Wednesday, June 15) I posted on my Facebook page and my blog asking for feedback on the 4 day school week. I am asking for people's feedback because I want everyone to understand that by remaining with a 5 day school week we will be forced to RIF two or three additional teachers - which I think is also a bad situation. As I've said previously this is a bad sandwich and everyone has to take a bite ... we just have to figure out which bad taste EVERYONE wants in their mouths.
Do we have hard facts to support the savings we hope to gain? NO. (I don't think any school district can realistically give us those facts because not all districts face the severe winters we do. Last year we received a federal stimulus grant for $150K that covered our propane ... this year that grant isn't coming.)
Do we know if this will cause us to lose children? NO. (I will tell you there is rumor Alamo and numerous other schools in NM are looking at going to a 4 day week. I can also add that more than one Alamo parent has expressed interest in bringing their child up to Cloudcroft because of the potential 4 day week.)
And lastly ... Is your school board going to make a decision not everyone likes? YES. Answering any other way would be foolish. At this point, we must make decisions that will not be popular. In my opinion, we are ALL in a lose-lose situation and worst of all our children are going to be affected ... regardless of whether we have a 4 or 5 day week or we have a superintendent and asst. superintendent.

http://cmsbearsinfo.blogspot.com/2011/06/special-school-board-meeting-scheduled.html

School board meeting - June 20

Come and give your opinion on the 4-day school week. Whether you are for or against it ... I NEED YOUR HELP.

I have my opinion, but I'm listening to ensure we make the right decision for our students! I NEED YOUR HELP!

If you can't attend, please shoot me a message - either via Facebook message, via my email address: voteforarlan@gmail.com or via a post on my blog: voteforarlan.blogspot.com. We need your names - whether for or against. You're opinion is valued! If you think you don't need to speak up then a decision might be made that you won't like!

I NEED YOUR FEEDBACK NOW!