The SFPS Board meeting on Oct. 6 had quite a few interesting items on the agenda that will affect us as students.

First of all there was a discussion on the activity fee that has been charged at both Santa Fe High and Capital High for many years. The board voted to approve state money to fund certain programs that were previously covered by the activity fee, such as diplomas, student agendas and competition fees, along with some other school costs. But since this is state money, it cannot be used to fund activities such as prom, the Royal Blues banquet, teacher appreciation luncheons and more.

As an incentive, Dr. Boyd offered to pay for a student’s prom ticket (and a date) if he or she is able to solve our prom venue problem. (Students wishing to offer solutions should talk to anyone in student government.)

Focus then shifted to another item. Board member Steve Carrillo drafted a resolution for New Mexico Gun Ownership Reform Legislation, which will be sent to the New Mexico Legislature for their upcoming session. With yet another mass shooting on Oct. 1, in Roseburg, Ore., many believe it is time for change across the United States for gun control, and this is one of the first steps of getting resolutions on this nationwide.

There was also a discussion on Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives, or LARC, and Santa Fe Public Schools being able to help students get these new forms of contraceptives.

If anyone has concerns they would like brought to the Board’s attention, contact student board member Maya Griswold ([email protected]) or go to a board meeting and sign up to speak at the public forum, whether the item is on the agenda or not.

The next meeting will be Oct. 20 at 5:30 p.m.