Los Alamos Reporter

NMSBA Selects Los Alamos Public Schools Board As 2025 Large District School Board Of The Year

Members of the Los Alamos Public Schools Board of Education from left, Melanie Colgan, president; Sondra Wyman, vice president; Lauren Coupland, secretary and members Ellen Specter and Ryan Adams. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAPS NEWS RELEASE

New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA) has selected the Los Alamos Public Schools Board of Education as the 2025 Large District School Board of the Year. Los Alamos was recognized for their exemplary governance, visionary leadership, and significant impact on student success across the district.

This statewide honor celebrates school boards that demonstrate outstanding service, advocacy, training, and accomplishments that positively influence student achievement and community engagement.

Superintendent Jennifer Guy nominated the Board, highlighting their “exceptional vision, courage, and collaboration” in designing and implementing a districtwide strategic plan ensuring 100% student success in Academic Excellence, Social-Emotional Wellbeing, and Civic Responsibility.
“We are incredibly honored to be named New Mexico’s Large District School Board of the Year,” School Board President Melanie Colgan said. “We couldn’t have earned this recognition without the guidance and support of our superintendent, Jennifer Guy, and the dedication of the entire Los Alamos Public Schools community. Our students, families, teachers, staff, and administrators work together every day to create a supportive and innovative learning environment.”

Colgan added, “It is an honor to serve this community alongside my fellow board members, and together we remain committed to putting students first and ensuring every child in our district has the opportunity to thrive.”

The Los Alamos Board of Education has:

  • Led the development of a districtwide Strategic Plan focused on whole-child success
  • Created Student School Board Liaison positions to ensure authentic student voice in governance
  • Prioritized implementation of high-quality instructional materials and data-driven improvement
  • Expanded social-emotional learning systems, professional development for staff, and restorative practices
  • Advanced major capital projects including the planning and construction of Piñon and Chamisa Elementary Schools, scheduled for completion in spring 2026
  • Strengthened partnerships to expand career and technical education pathways 

The Los Alamos School board has shown a commitment to Governance Excellence by exceeding state training expectations and actively participating in regional, state, and national school board leadership opportunities.

The award was formally presented during the NMSBA Annual Convention on December 5, 2025, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Albuquerque.

Superintendent Guy expressed deep appreciation for the school board. “I am grateful for our Board’s leadership and their focus on ensuring every student succeeds,” she said. “They spend countless hours advocating for students, staff and families to ensure their voices shape our district’s vision.”

Los Alamos Public Schools serves approximately 3,700 students across seven campuses, all of which are designated as New Mexico Spotlight Schools for academic excellence and commitment to student success. The district’s Strategic Plan focuses on ensuring 100% of students are successful academically and in their personal wellbeing.