Raton Public Schools Press Release
Dr. Christopher Bonn, Raton Public Schools Superintendent
June 24, 2020

On behalf of the Raton Public Schools, I would like to first say thank you to our students,
parents, teachers, and support staff who have worked together during the last few months to
provide education to our children during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. I am aware there have
been triumphs and difficulties. The changes to our routines and lifestyles have been intense for
everyone. The Raton community’s ability to persevere and assist each other to make the best of
difficult situations continues to inspire and amaze me. It is the fabric of rural and small-town
communities.

Our district team is currently drafting several guidance documents regarding our return to school
in the fall. I will release them at the earliest possible date. I want to assure parents and
community members that Raton Public Schools is working together with our state and county
health officials and the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) to determine what
needs to be done to ensure that our schools are safe to reopen in August for students and staff.
Raton Public Schools will continue to work on reopening plans throughout the next few weeks.
Each of our individual schools serve unique communities, and we are keeping those
communities’ needs in the forefront of our conversations.

I will continue to release communication updates as they become available. If you have specific
concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your school or the district office to share those
concerns.

I want to congratulate all of our graduates and their families. I haven’t had the opportunity to
meet or speak with any of you but the conversations I have with members of the community and
the staff at Raton High School are impressive. I hope and invite the opportunity to learn
something about each of you. You are alumni and are forever part of the tradition, customs,
culture and legacy of the Raton High School, the district and community.

I appreciate your time and patience concerning COVID-19 and school operations. If you have
any comments, questions or concerns please feel free to contact the district or send an email. I
wish you all a terrific summer and look forward to seeing each and everyone in the fall.

Sincerely,
Dr. Christopher Bonn

NM Public Education Department Document with details for phased school reentry.