Dulce High Students Challenge School Board Candidates in Forum

In a lively candidate forum on October 27, 2023, students at Dulce High School directly questioned eight contenders for three available seats on the Dulce Independent School District board. This event, held in the school’s auditorium, attracted significant attention, reflecting one of the most competitive races in New Mexico’s local elections, scheduled for November 4.

The forum was organized by student council members and drew a packed audience, where students posed challenging inquiries regarding pressing issues, such as attendance rates, proficiency test scores, funding, and the district’s struggle to retain talent amid competition from larger districts. The Dulce Independent School District, which serves approximately 500 students, most of whom are Indigenous, faces unique challenges that resonate deeply within this tight-knit community located in northern Rio Arriba County.

During the forum, Carley Tafoya, a write-in candidate and parent, emphasized the importance of collaboration in rural communities. “You guys are the future of our community,” she told the students, who actively engaged with her message, some even shushing their peers to ensure they heard the candidates’ responses. Tafoya highlighted the need for stronger ties between parents and school administration, a sentiment echoed by student council President Ian Gomez, who noted that all candidates shared a commitment to improving the district for students and teachers alike.

Student council Secretary Jazmine Zamora asked candidates about strategies to address chronic absenteeism, a significant issue where over half of the district’s students missed at least 10% of school in the 2023-24 year, a rate exceeding the statewide average by more than 20 percentage points. Candidate Lauren Ninetails, also a parent, pointed out that attendance is a joint responsibility between students and parents, suggesting the introduction of incentives to encourage school attendance.

In contrast, fellow candidate Teresa Cassador, a Dulce High alumna, cautioned against incentivizing attendance, stating, “You’re not always gonna get rewarded with an incentive.” She argued that as students mature, their motivation should shift towards the intrinsic value of education rather than external rewards. Candidate Selenarose Hammond added that students should not be blamed for absenteeism, stating, “If we don’t make school entertaining…why should we think our kids are gonna be here?”

The discussion also touched on the absence of art and music programs, which many students lamented. Consuelo “Connie” Gomez, a former school board member, lamented the shift in focus towards academic scores that led to the dismantling of these programs. Candidate Diana Vigil highlighted the existence of unused music facilities, calling for their revival.

Discussions became particularly contentious regarding a proposal for the Jicarilla Apache Nation to purchase the elementary school and relocate younger students to the middle school. The majority of candidates expressed neutrality or opposition to this plan. Annette TeCube, an incumbent, voiced her concern about overcrowding, stating that such a move would hinder the district’s ability to offer additional classes, including potential career-oriented courses.

Interim Superintendent Gilbert Martinez addressed the underlying issue of leadership instability, revealing that the district has experienced ten principal changes in the past decade, undermining employee trust and consistency. Martinez, who returned to Dulce after years of service elsewhere, noted the critical need for stable leadership to foster a trusting and effective educational environment.

The forum highlighted not only the challenges facing the Dulce Independent School District but also the active engagement of its students in shaping their educational future. As the community prepares for the upcoming elections, the voices of these young individuals will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the direction of their schools.