By Julia M. Dendinger and Cameron Goeldner,
News-Bulletin Staff Writers
BELENÂ â The days are counting down to March 22 and Belen Consolidated Schools Superintendent Lawrence Sanchez is confident middle and high school students can begin hybrid learning on that date.
Secondary students couldnât return as the same time as elementary because there were several logistical hurdles to clear, Sanchez told the Belen Board of Education at a recent meeting. The state Public Education Department didnât release itâs COVID-19 guidance and requirements for secondary hybrid learning until Jan. 15.
At the districtâs two high schools â Belen and Infinity â students arrive on campus multiple ways, including driving themselves, taking the bus, walking and being dropped off.
On Feb. 17, the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education voted “no” on a voluntary re-entry plan that would allow students and teachers the choice to return to in-person learning.
Had the plan passed, Albuquerque teachers would have been expected to be back in the classroom by Feb. 22. Elementary students would have been allowed to return on March 1, and secondary education students March 8. The motion failed on a tight 4 to 3 vote.
The delayed re-entry plan wipes out the fall sports season for student-athletes at Belen High School.
The rally was organized by James Lucero, the parent of football player Christopher Lucero and a member of the football booster club, through a Facebook post he made the previous Monday.
The group brought signs and stood on the sidewalk outside the building on Main Street as passing cars slowed to read them, with some honking in support.
In addition to organizing the rally, Lucero also spoke during the open forum portion of the Belen Board of Educationâs meeting, which coincided with the rally.
Jerah R. Cordova, who has been mayor of the city of Belen for seven years, said for the past 18 years, heâs worked to protect our nation in a full-time capacity as a federal contractor with the Department of Defense and agencies of the federal government. He is married to Megan Malcom-Morgan.
Belen Mayor Jerah Cordova has served in the office for seven years. He was first elected to the Belen City Council in 2010.
Q What do you think about when youâre alone in your car?
A âI think about Belen â and what I need to do later that day or in the days to come. Because I work full-time outside of my mayoral duties, I spend much of my extra time, like when Iâm in commute, thinking through next steps. I also enjoy music, so when Iâm caught up on work, I listen to tunes.â
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