SFPS Board Meeting for July 30, 2026

The Santa Fe Public Schools Board meeting on July 30, 2026, focused heavily on concerns regarding the use of the AI-based Amira reading assessment tool, particularly its collection of student biometric data without parental consent. Numerous community members and parents voiced opposition to the program, calling for deletion of collected data, opt-in policies for technology use, and stronger student data privacy frameworks. The board also discussed and approved a collective bargaining agreement with NEA Santa Fe for the 2026-27 school year, including salary stipends and workload protections. Additionally, the board approved a lease agreement for a monopole cell tower. Several contracts related to security camera installation and maintenance were reviewed, with two $350,000 contracts pulled for further clarification and revision before approval. The board received a presentation on recommended classroom screen time guidelines and discussed the first readings of amended policy 310 on automated external defibrillators and a new cybersecurity policy, with the latter tabled for further review due to concerns about process and policy scope. The meeting included updates on staffing, facilities, curriculum implementation, and afterschool programming strategies.