New employees introduced to school board
By John Earp
At the meeting of the Jal School Board this past Monday, new employees were introduced to the board. Destini Alexander works at the elementary school as well as in the special education department. Rubina Garcia teaches 2nd grade at Jal Elementary. Betty Gonzales teaches in the pre-K department. Chantal Wells teaches in the special education department. Principal Karen Komar mentioned new employees Katia Martinez and Officer Cortez, who could not be at the meeting this time, but would attend the next board meeting. Superintendent Brian Snider commented, “It’s really nice seeing these young people that are interested in education, and the elementary’s a great place to start, and then once you’re on board, you can get your degree. I mean it’s really nice and good for you guys to aspire to that.” Komar mentioned that Chantel Wells is working on her early childhood [certification].
Jal High Principal Dusty Loftis introduced Mr. Vince Homer, who is a native of Lovington, NM, and who will be coaching girls’ varsity basketball and golf, as well as teaching science. Homer mentioned that, “This is year 31 for me. I’ve been absolutely blown away by how this community has welcomed me, treated me, came over and offered anything we can do to help. I’ve been blown away by the facilities, but mostly the people. The kids are showing up and trying. I’m honored to be a part of the staff. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.” Shana Dunlap, who teaches language arts at Jal High, said she is driving over from Hobbs, “and I second what he said about your community and your school system. I am honestly privileged to be here and work for you guys. Y’all are like the best-kept secret.” Coach Homer added that he was going to coach “the once-storied Jal golf program.”
Anne Wagner, wife to Pastor John Wagner of Calvary Baptist Church, will be teaching art at Jal Junior High this year. Coach Chris McWilliams said he is starting year 32 in education. He retired in Texas, is a native of Andrews, and will be teaching U.S. History, New Mexico History, Chess, is on the varsity football coaching staff, and will be assistant coach for softball. He said, “Everybody’s been great. I’m very happy to be here.”
Loftis added, “Very pleased, very glad. I’m going to tell you, we just keep getting better and better. Our recruitment is awesome. We’ve got some people to fill in where we need, and it’s going to be a great year.”
The board thanked all the new employees for attending the meeting. Board member Kayla Lujan said, “We’re so glad to have all of you,” to which the rest of the board added, “Yes, absolutely.”
