In Step with Winston at the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Manzano Pep Rally, and honoring Sherman McCorkle

At this month’s meeting of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, we talked about start times for high school students. There is research showing that high school students perform better academically when they start their school day later in the morning.  Interestingly, our students felt strongly about keeping their current schedule, with start times as early as 6:15 a.m. for some zero hour classes. The good news is we have no plans to change the bell schedule at this time.

Don Moya, our chief financial officer, and I also talked at length with the students about the budget and an anticipated $64 million shortfall for next school year. I asked students to list items they thought could be cut from the budget, as well as those they felt shouldn’t be cut. I also asked that they talk to fellow students and come back to the next meeting with some ideas of how to save money. We will continue to work with these students and others to keep them informed and to gather ideas.

I had a blast at the Manzano High School pep rally this week, where students, parents and the community gathered in a sea of purple to wish the Monarchs football team the best of luck in the state championship game. Manzano played Las Cruces Mayfield on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Wilson Stadium next door to the school. I’ve been wearing a purple tie myself lately. As I told APS Board of Education members, it was the highlight of my week to be around a group of outstanding and energetic students at the pep rally. Win or lose, I congratulate the Monarchs on their successful season this year.

The APS Board of Education and I recently honored Sherman McCorkle, the long-time CEO of Technology Venture Corporation, for his service to the community and support of the district. Sherman announced he will be retiring from his current position, in which he has been very supportive of the district and students of APS. We wish him the best of luck. I hope with the extra time he’ll now have on his hands, he’ll think about volunteering in the district.