Jerry Baca leaves sixth-grade academy

Jerry Baca, principal of the Pojoaque Valley School District's trouble-plagued sixth-grade academy, has been placed on paid administrative leave and a replacement is being sought, Superintendent Art Blea said Thursday.

Blea would not comment on the reasons for Baca's dismissal, but said it is not directly related to the school's many problems since it opened at the beginning of this school year. He said the action is also "totally unrelated to students."

Parents have charged that the school was ill-prepared to open, and that problems have included a lack of teachers and support staff, rickety chairs and furniture and a dearth of such essentials as pencil sharpeners, desks and library resources.

Blea said the action against Baca was taken during the winter holiday break, and that his last day at the school was Dec. 19. He said there were no criminal charges involved.

Baca could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Acequia group to elect board members

The Rio Pojoaque Acequia and Water Well Users Association General membership meeting and election of board members will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Pojoaque Valley Schools Administration Building Community and Board Room on the Jacona Campus.

Library board plans two meetings

The Vista Grande Public Library will hold its annual meeting at
6 p.m. Jan. 27 at the library, 14 Avenida Torreon, next to El Dorado Community School. The board meeting will follow at 7 p.m. For more information, call 466-READ.

Peking Acrobats to visit Highlands

The Peking Acrobats will tumble into New Mexico Highlands University's Ilfeld Auditorium, 900 University Ave., Las Vegas, at 6 p.m. Jan. 28.

General admission early tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. Tickets for children and students with a valid I.D. are $12.