LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — A Las Cruces charter school was found to have violated its contract with the state, and parents of students who attend the school say a “delay is long overdue.” .
The New Mexico State Board of Public Instruction unanimously decided Friday at a meeting in Santa Fe that Alma d'Arte is in violation of its charter, following concerns from parents about the school's culture.
In a statement sent to ABC-7 on Monday, PEC said, “The decision to breach the contract was made based on public comments received at PEC meetings and discussions with charter school division staff and school leaders regarding concerns.” The decision was made after a lengthy discussion.” Opportunities for schools and schools to improve. ”
“We called on school leaders to rebuild respectful, safe and effective learning environments,” the committee added.
According to Alma d'Arte's contract with the New Mexico State Board of Education, a violation notice will be issued if there is a “failure to meet the goals identified in the notice of concern” and “there is evidence of material or material noncompliance.” may be sent to the school. applicable law,” and “any conduct or operational deficiency that may endanger the health of students and/or staff or adversely affect the continued existence of the school.”
The New Mexico State Board of Education says schools are “obligated” to develop, submit and implement corrective action or improvement plans that include “specific improvements, objectives, schedules and measures that will lead to the correction of violations.” There is.
ABC-7 spoke with students, parents of former students and former faculty members on Monday about the board's decisions and the school's culture.
“There's a culture of fear, bullying, and administrative oppression,” said Chris Stout Birdley, a former art teacher.
Janet Van-Koblein said Dr. Adam Amador, the chief academic officer, “kicked my son out of the school” for giving him a document that said Alma d'Arte was “unsuitable.”
She says she is happy with the PED decision.
“I think it's too early. I commend the Board of Public Instruction for its insight in Friday's meeting about the many things that are readily apparent from the actions of the administration and the governing board and the flaws in the system.” he said. Van Kobrin.
Other parents, including Cindy Delanoy, whose two sons attended the school, have accused Dr. Amador of “extreme bullying” of students.
She said her son Malachi complained of bullying from Dr. Amador and ultimately committed suicide in August 2023, just three weeks after Dr. Amador took command of the school.
She said her other son, Michael, also bullied her when he returned to school after his brother's death.
These accusations came to PEC's attention during public comment at the March board meeting.
“Everyone, please remember Malachi and fight for our children,” Delanoy said.
ABC-7 reached out to Alma d'Arte's administration for comment, but a receptionist said the school is closed on Mondays and the administrator was not present.
ABC-7 also reached out to Dr. Amador directly via email and social media, as well as each member of the school's governing board via email, but as of this article's publication, no comment was received. Not obtained.
