Public Statement Regarding LLHS Band Boosters
As both a parent and an alumna of the Los Lunas High School (LLHS) Tiger Band program, I joined the Tiger Band Boosters in July 2024 with enthusiasm and a desire to give back. Having marched in this band myself, I understood the value of the program and wanted to contribute wherever I could.
Early in the season, I became heavily involved in managing the brand-new marching band uniforms purchased by the district. This work included inventory, fitting, hemming, and maintaining more than 2,000 uniform pieces. When a water main break disrupted our ability to wash uniforms before an important competition, I made the decision—with approval from the director—to take them to a local laundromat so they would be ready on time. I paid the $80 cost out of pocket, expecting reimbursement.
When my request for reimbursement was denied, I was told it was because the expense had not been pre-approved. Wanting to see this policy in writing, I asked for the relevant documentation—but learned that no such written policy existed. This raised larger questions for me about how the organization’s decisions and procedures were being documented and followed.
When I eventually obtained what was described as the organization’s bylaws, I discovered they were actually the Articles of Incorporation. That led me to begin a broader review of the group’s compliance with state, federal, and district requirements. My findings included:
The business license had expired years earlier.
The nonprofit (501(c)(3)) status had been re-established under a new federal Employer Identification Number rather than reinstated.
Annual IRS Form 990 filings had not been consistently submitted on time.
Required public access to certain records was not being provided.
I also identified gaps between current practices and the Los Lunas Schools Parent Organization Handbook, including documentation and transparency measures.
I presented these findings in good faith, believing transparency and corrective action would strengthen the Boosters. Not long after, I began experiencing increased hostility in volunteer settings, culminating in my indefinite removal as a volunteer.
On March 29, 2025, the LLHS Tiger Band attended the MPA District Festival at Valencia High School. While I routinely worked in the uniform room throughout the year, I made a deliberate decision that day not to be in the uniform room or handle uniform check-in/check-out. Multiple individuals are willing to publicly attest to my absence.
Despite that, a complaint was later made alleging I violated a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the uniform room that day. I was not in the uniform room on March 29, and multiple individuals can confirm this. As a parent volunteer, I have never been responsible for compliance with either IEPs or Section 504 plans. Nevertheless, I was banned indefinitely—without due process—from volunteering by the district and site administration.
Through IPRA requests, I obtained the complaint email, earlier correspondence showing attempts to have me removed, and the notice of my ban. Given the timing, I believe this action was retaliatory for uncovering and reporting the organization’s non-compliance.
This experience has only strengthened my commitment to ensuring our school organizations operate with transparency, legal compliance, and fairness. As I seek a position on the school board, I will advocate for accountability, due process, and governance practices that protect the trust and integrity of our programs.