SAVE WLV Valley Middle And Elementary School

We, the undersigned, formally oppose the closure of West Las Vegas Valley School and call for an immediate halt to any closure proceedings. We further demand meaningful and transparent community involvement in any decisions that could lead to the closure, consolidation, or restructuring of the school.

Valley Elementary School has served our community since 1969. It is a vital public institution that serves a high population of low-income families, students with disabilities, English language learners, and other historically underserved students. Under the Martinez/Yazzie ruling, the State of New Mexico is legally obligated to ensure equitable access to education and essential services for all students. Any action that reduces access to those services places the district at risk of further violating those constitutional obligations.

Community members have raised ongoing concerns regarding the unequal distribution of academic support and resources within West Las Vegas Schools. We formally request that district leadership prioritize equitable alternatives to closure, including reinvestment, targeted support, and transparent problem-solving, rather than removing access to a neighborhood school.

We further raise serious concerns regarding transportation inequity created by the proposed closure. If Valley School is closed, many students would be required to travel significantly longer distances(up to an hour or more each way). This would effectively double daily bus time for young children, increasing fatigue, reducing instructional time, and creating additional barriers to attendance and participation.

These transportation burdens disproportionately impact low-income families, students with disabilities, and households without reliable transportation. Extended bus routes also reduce access to after-school programs, limit family engagement with schools, and place added strain on students who already face systemic educational inequities. Any plan that forces Valley students into significantly longer commutes without adequate alternatives creates a direct disparity in access to education.

We also express serious concern regarding the lack of public transparency surrounding the decision-making process. Dr. Vidal Martinez has not provided any information regarding closure, superintendent has not provided any information regarding closure. In addition, concerns have been raised that budget discussions and closure-related meetings were not properly or adequately advertised in compliance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act, limiting meaningful public participation. 

We request that the district and governing board pursue alternative funding strategies, including legislative support, grant opportunities, and capital outlay advocacy, rather than school closure. We further request that the school board establish a regular presence in the Valley community, including at least bi-monthly meetings held within the Valley attendance zone during the next school year.

We also request the continued and guaranteed provision of essential programs and services, including music education, visual arts, structured physical education, bilingual education, and timely facility maintenance and improvements.

Additionally, Valley School serves as a designated emergency shelter for the community. Significant public investment has been made in facilities including the gymnasium, track, and greenhouse. These assets represent long-term community infrastructure that should not be abandoned without full public review and justification.

Finally, we request that the district prioritize the hiring and retention of local educators and staff whenever possible, and that administration actively work to resolve internal staffing and leadership concerns in order to retain experienced personnel committed to serving the Valley community.