By Julia M. Dendinger and Cameron Goeldner,
News-Bulletin Staff Writers
BELENÂ â The days are counting down to March 22 and Belen Consolidated Schools Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez is confident middle and high school students can begin hybrid learning on that date.
Secondary students couldnât return as the same time as elementary because there were several logistical hurdles to clear, Sanchez told the Belen Board of Education at a recent meeting. The state Public Education Department didnât release itâs COVID-19 guidance and requirements for secondary hybrid learning until Jan. 15.
At the districtâs two high schools â Belen and Infinity â students arrive on campus multiple ways, including driving themselves, taking the bus, walking and being dropped off.
LOS LUNAS â The Los Lunas teachers union and school district havenât been on the same page regarding a return to in-person learning.
NEA Los Lunas, which represents local educators, filed a prohibited practice complaint with the Public Employee Labor Relations Board, claiming the district has violated certain sections of the Public Employee Bargaining Act.
âWe have been actively attempting to collaborate with the district regarding their plans for re-entry and are not opposed to many of their recommendations,â a statement from NEA Los Lunas to its members read. âHowever, the district has not, to this point, included us in any formal conversations or negotiations.â
The delayed re-entry plan wipes out the fall sports season for student-athletes at Belen High School.
The rally was organized by James Lucero, the parent of football player Christopher Lucero and a member of the football booster club, through a Facebook post he made the previous Monday.
The group brought signs and stood on the sidewalk outside the building on Main Street as passing cars slowed to read them, with some honking in support.
In addition to organizing the rally, Lucero also spoke during the open forum portion of the Belen Board of Educationâs meeting, which coincided with the rally.
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