A Message from Our Superintendent

July 28, 2024

Dear Capitan Municipal Schools Community,

We are reaching out to address concerns raised by some parents in the community regarding safety at Capitan Municipal Schools. We want to assure you of our commitment to the safety of all students and staff at Capitan Municipal Schools and in our community.

As administrators and school leadership, ensuring the safety and security of our students is our top priority. We continually strive to improve our practices in prevention, response, and recovery to provide a safe, healthy, and high-quality educational environment for every child.

We have invested significant effort to enhance our safety measures. This week, we will work closely with all staff to ensure we offer the safest learning environment possible when students return on Thursday. Some of the specific security enhancements include improved communication with students, limitations on locker usage, and restrictions on student access to the parking lot. While we cannot disclose all procedures due to security reasons, please be assured that we are taking comprehensive measures.

As the 2024–2025 school year begins, we have implemented various strategies to support returning students, such as restrictions on backpacks, movement around the campus, hall pass privileges, enhanced counseling, community circles, assigned mentors, and behavior contracts. While these interventions do not guarantee safety, they are designed to increase the likelihood of a safe and supportive learning environment.

All school-aged children (ages five–19) within the Capitan Municipal Schools District are entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). It is our duty as a public school to ensure that all students in our community are provided that opportunity. When a student’s actions appear to undermine this right, it is our responsibility to investigate thoroughly and apply fair consequences. Our determinations under these circumstances take into account the rights of all students and are based on legal requirements, school policy, and our experience as school leaders.

Our goal with this letter is to enhance your trust and confidence in the administration and staff of Capitan Municipal Schools. Please know that the safety and security of all our students is our foremost priority. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you!

J. Vance Lee