SFPS weighs new policy on vacancies

SANTA FE — Santa Fe Public Schools officials are considering a policy that would ask applicants of vacant board seats if there are any incidents in their past that would cause the district embarrassment.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the district board approved the first reading Tuesday after board vice president Maureen Cashmon introduced the resolution that would give officials the right to ask the question.

The measure comes after officials learned that board member Rudy Garcia has an arrest record that he did not disclose when he applied for the seat.

Garcia pleaded guilty years ago to DWI charges and served 16 days in jail.

Garcia and board member Lorraine Price voted against the measure, arguing that many people have episodes in their past that do not necessarily disqualify them.