Four Sign up for two Council seats
By Sue Richardson

City elections will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2008. There are two positions open on the Town Board of Trustees. The first position was vacated when Dr. Michael Jenkins died; his wife Pam was appointed to the position and when she moved away from Clayton, Noel Allen was appointed. The second position is the one currently held by Judy Steen, her term is up and since she has moved out of town limits, she is not seeking re-election.
The other position on the ballot, that of Municipal Judge, is currently held by Sharon Gonzales.
Tuesday, January 8, was the only day that people could sign up to be candidates for the election.
A total of four persons signed up for the two Town Council positions. They are Noel Allen, Jeff Childress, Coby Beckner and Tony Naranjo. The two who receive the most votes in the March 4 election will be the council members.
There will be two candidates for Municipal Judge, Sharon Gonzales and Clint Boehler.
The winners will take office at the next regular Town Council meeting following the election

Clayton High School is one of America's Best

By Sue Richardson

Sixteen New Mexico high schools received silver or bronze awards for ranking among the nation’s top high schools, according to the 2008 U.S. News and World Report “America’s Best High Schools”

The report evaluated 18,790 high schools in 40 states. Awards and recognition were based on a three-step process that analyzed academic performance in reading and math; academic performance of the schools “least advantaged students;” and college level achievement for the highest percentage of students, using Advanced Placement data as a benchmark for success.

Senator Pete Domenici said, “I was pleased to learn that 16 of New Mexico’s high schools were awarded silver and bronze medals for outstanding performance as part of U.S. News and World Report’s first ever high school rankings. Teachers and staff at these high schools have demonstrated their commitment to excellence through quality education. This is a deserved recognition for the excellent work these schools are doing, and I congratulate them on their success.”

Receiving solver awards were La Cueva High School and Sadina High School in Albuquerque and Los Alamos High School.

Clayton High School was among 13 schools receiving a bronze award. Logan High School and Springer High School were also bronze winners.

U.S. News and World Report explained how they made their decision. “First we measured how each schools students performed on state tests, adjusting for student circumstances. W next evaluated ho well each schools disadvantaged students did. Finally, we looked at whether the school was successful in providing college-level classwork.”

Domenici also said, “It takes the dedicated leadership of a good principal, a talented teaching corps and engaged parents to achieve this level.”