Workers at Aspen Elementary School Wednesday. Courtesy photo

BY ERIN TATGE
Los Alamos

Los Alamos Public Schools doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to transparency. A prime example of that lack of transparency is happening this very minute. 

Last week, on Friday May 22, there was a press release and email to parents of Aspen students asking for community input: Los Alamos Public Schools will be replacing and updating the fencing at Aspen Elementary School this summer. We will be hosting a community meeting on Zoom from 5:30 – 6:30 on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. This is an opportunity for community members to provide input on the plans.  (emphasis mine)

This opportunity for feedback is scheduled for tonight, but work has already begun. 

As of 1:30 p.m. today, digging was underway – 4 hours before the start of the meeting announced by Superintendent Guy requesting input from community members. 

LAPS is clearly not at all interested in what the community has to say at this meeting. It is performative at best. 

Originally, I planned to attend this meeting to express concerns about the impact this construction will have on the school’s trees. Many trees were damaged and eventually died as a result of  Aspen’s renovation and I am hopeful there is a plan to mitigate further damage.

Now, with digging already underway, the damage will likely already be done before the meeting is even held. Tonight, I will instead be asking why they’re even bothering to hold this kangaroo court and pretend that LAPS is at all interested in community support.

Aspen Fencing Community Meeting

Time: May 27, 2026 05:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5056632222?pwd=9ya3XaLGT3DQAVJyauGbYKcsPQ4QWg.1&omn=89996529279

Meeting chat link
https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/89996529279

Meeting ID: 505 663 2222
Passcode: j45K8H