Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Understanding the district’s policies and available resources is crucial for parents, students, and community members. This article provides an overview of key information, drawing from official LCPS documents to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Understanding LCPS Commitment to Privacy
LCPS prioritizes the privacy of its students and stakeholders. The district’s Privacy Policy outlines how personal information is collected, used, and protected. For detailed information, you can access the complete Privacy Statement here. It is recommended to review this document to fully understand your rights and LCPS’s responsibilities regarding data privacy.
Accessing the LCPS District Report Card
Transparency and accountability are important aspects of public education. The LCPS District Report Card offers valuable insights into the district’s performance and progress. This report card is publicly available and provides data on various metrics, allowing the community to stay informed about the achievements and areas for improvement within Las Cruces Public Schools. You can view the District Report Card at the New Mexico Vistas website: https://nmvistas.org/Las_Cruces_Public_Schools.
Legal Notice: Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity, and Equal Access in LCPS
Las Cruces Public Schools operates under a strong legal and ethical framework that champions diversity and inclusion. In accordance with applicable laws, LCPS maintains a firm stance against discrimination in all its forms. This commitment extends to employment practices, educational programs, and activities within the district.
Protected Categories: LCPS explicitly prohibits discrimination based on the following categories:
- Age
- Ancestry
- Color
- Disability
- Gender Identity
- Genetic Information
- National Origin
- Race
- Religion
- Serious Medical Condition
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Equal Compensation
- Sexual Orientation
- Spousal Affiliation
- Protected Veteran Status
This non-discrimination policy ensures that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity within the LCPS community. The district is dedicated to creating an environment that welcomes and values diversity.
Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities: LCPS is committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and strives to provide equal access to individuals with disabilities. Ongoing efforts are in place to remove barriers, both physical and attitudinal, to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in and benefit from the district’s facilities, programs, and services.
Equal Access for Youth Groups: LCPS also adheres to legal requirements regarding equal access for youth groups, including groups officially affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America and other patriotic societies, in designated limited public forums.
For a comprehensive understanding of LCPS’s non-discrimination policies, please refer to the complete LCPS Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Equal Access.
Reporting Concerns and Contact Information for LCPS Compliance
LCPS provides clear channels for addressing concerns and reporting potential violations of non-discrimination policies. The following individuals are designated to handle inquiries, requests for accommodations, and complaints:
504 Compliance:
- Susie Hendee: [email protected]
Community Concerns/Complaints:
- Jaime Calderon: Community Relations Executive Director and Advisor to Supt/Board
- Phone: (575) 527-5801
- Email: [email protected]
Chief of Human Resources:
- Cindy Donnelly:
- Phone: (575) 527-5893
- Email: [email protected]
Facilities:
- Steve Rodriguez: Chief of Operations
- Phone: (575) 527-5981
- Email: [email protected]
Title IX Coordinator:
- Carolyn Vigil, MBA: Compliance Coordinator, Risk Management
- Phone: (575) 527-6044
- Email: [email protected]
- Title IX Complaint Form
- Policy ACA – Sex Discrimination
Educational Resources on Title IX and Related Topics
LCPS also provides access to valuable educational resources related to Title IX and student safety:
- U.S. Dept of Education’s “A Training Guide for Administrators and Educators on Addressing Adult Sexual Misconduct in the School Setting”: https://rems.ed.gov/docs/asmtrainingguide.pdf – This guide offers crucial information for educators and administrators on addressing sexual misconduct in school settings.
- Recognizing Grooming Behaviors and Red Flags: https://www.d2l.org/child-grooming-signs-behavior-awareness/ – Understanding grooming behaviors is essential for child protection. This resource provides insights into recognizing potential red flags.
- Article: “What if My Student Discloses a Sexual Assault?”: https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/what-if-my-student-discloses-a-sexual-assault – This article offers guidance for educators on how to respond appropriately and support students who disclose sexual assault.
Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression Portal for New Mexico Schools
LCPS, in alignment with New Mexico’s Black Education Act, provides an Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression (ARAO) Portal. This portal is a critical resource for reporting incidents of racial discrimination within New Mexico schools.
Purpose of the ARAO Portal: The ARAO portal serves as a neutral and accessible platform for staff, students, families, community members, and stakeholders to report racial incidents, including unfair treatment, injustice, and discrimination.
To report an incident of racial discrimination within New Mexico Schools, please use the online submission form: Online Submission Form.
The ARAO portal facilitates communication between districts, schools, students, and families, ensuring that racial incidents are addressed effectively and transparently.
By understanding these policies and resources, the Las Cruces community can work together with LCPS to foster a positive and equitable educational experience for all students in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
