SFPS Board Meeting for October 7, 2026

The October 7, 2026 Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education meeting included approval of the consent agenda, which contained a contract with Artem Technologies for an independent, district-wide video surveillance assessment; the contract was identified as exceeding $60,000, but no exact amount was stated. The assessment will verify camera inventory, condition and coverage, identify future repair or replacement needs, and independently confirm the status of audio capabilities. District staff estimated that on-site work could take about three months and agreed to provide periodic status updates and share findings, while withholding sensitive camera-location information. The board also approved a motion authorizing legal counsel to proceed as discussed in executive session in pending litigation; no action was taken during the executive session itself.

The board heard a first reading of a proposed student data privacy policy addressing biometric information, commercial use, advertising, profiling, and AI training. Members discussed strengthening notification and consent language and agreed to continue revisions, potentially bringing the changes back as another first reading. The superintendent reported that food and nutrition employees’ pay was reviewed and corrected to ensure the negotiated 1% increase, including retroactive pay; the budget impact was described as minimal and absorbable. Other discussion covered digital wellness and review of educational technology tools, as well as prospective legislative funding priorities including teacher housing and an early learning center; no related funding or procurement action was taken.