Here’s some of today’s news:
Western New Mexico will be celebrating their 126th anniversary on Monday, February 11th by hosting an event featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the newly remodeled entrance to campus. WNMU was founded in February 11th 1893 as a state normal school created for the training of teachers in the southwest mining region of the state. The New Mexico House of Representatives proclaimed February 11th Western New Mexico University Founders Day in recognition of the positive impact the university has had over many years. WNMU has been continuously accredited since 1942. The Founders Day celebration kicks off at 3:00 P.M. at the corner of College Avenue and “B” Street. In addition, the WNMU Museum in Fleming Hall and the J. Cloyd Miller Library will both be open to Founders Day guests and will exhibit historic objects representing the university’s past.
Residents of Luna County voted against the renewal of the Deming Public Schools District’s Capital Improvements Levy from a one question ballot that was mailed out to Luna County voters. The two-mill levy was not a new tax, but a renewal that would not have changed property owner taxes. The two-mill levy was earmarked to fund improvements that included classroom furniture and equipment, student computers, playground equipment, activity vehicles, roof repairs, ADA accessibility, and safety and security improvements. Voting results were 1112 in favor and 2142 against.
Today, House Bill 341 created to promote computer science education and professional development for New Mexico teachers, passed the House Education Committee. According to a release, “The Computer Science Program Fund, administered by the Public Education Department, will increase the number of teachers who are prepared to teach computer science. Code.org, a nonprofit advocate for computer science education, has reported that only 21 schools in the state offer an Advanced Placement computer science class during 2017-18. HB 341 requests an appropriation of $500,000 to improve access for student computer science education and the bill now moves to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee for consideration.
Susie Trujillo, of Silver City received an award during the New Mexico Legislative Session yesterday at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. The 2019 “Behavioral Health Services Director Award” from the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative, was presented to Trujillo by Representative Rebecca Dow. The award was given in recognition for longtime service and support of Community Health Councils, in addition to government liaison with Gila Regional Medical Center and advocacy and successful development of HMS Tu Casa behavioral health services. Congratulations to Susie Trujillo!
