Message from the Executive Director

September is here and we celebrate Labor Day, a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Not unlike Region 9 where we make contributions to our schools to strengthen, help them produce productive young adults for the well-being of our communities. We begin the month under a renewed public health order dealing with the COVID pandemic. Region 9 is back to work and involved in all the ongoing daily activities in our member districts. This year, more than ever, our ability to deliver services to our members is critical. I will challenge you again this month to be the one, be the leader that has a positive impact on others. Your presence in our schools, whether in person or virtual, is important and has an amazing impact each day on the lives of students, staff, and communities. Model the requirements of the public health order, play a positive role by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, participate daily in your screening, and follow the guidelines each of our districts has put in place.

This month brings new work to Region 9 through the Public Education Department. We will have a new contract with the Priority Schools Bureau to support schools across the state through professional development opportunities called NM Rise (formerly Principals Pursuing Excellence, PPE), NM Launch Assistant Principals and Instructional Support (formerly PPE pathways), and NM SOAR (extension program for PPE graduates).

The New Mexico Regional Educational Cooperative Association NMRECA is also working as a group to promote collaboration with the Public Education Department to support statewide initiatives. We have several successful models of this collaboration including, DVR Transition, Dossier Reviewers / Coaches, the recent Child Care initiative. We are also having conversations with PED about supporting Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as a statewide initiative.

Public Health Order

The Governor has renewed the standing public health order. Only minimal items have relaxed. The requirements to quarantine for travel out of state with limited exceptions and contact with others that have come from out of state that does not self-quarantine are still in effect. All Region 9 employees signed a statement regarding their understanding and compliance with these requirements. We will communicate with you when these restrictions no longer apply. You can access the standing public health order - Executive order 2020-059.