Instructional Programs

Director of Equity and Federal Programs

Melissa Eager

Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Melissa designs and implements programs that address disparities in education, ensuring that all students have equal access to resources, support, and opportunities. This involves working closely with students, families, and staff to create an inclusive school environment.

Managing Federal and State Funds: Melissa oversees federal programs, such as Title I, , Title III and Title IV, and V.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Melissa analyzes data on student performance, attendance, and other key metrics to identify gaps and areas for improvement. Based on this data, they develop action plans to support students who are at risk of falling behind.

 Supporting Professional Development: Melissa provides training and resources to staff to help them recognize and address biases, implement culturally responsive teaching practices, and understand the diverse needs of their students.

Community and Family Engagement: Melissa collaborates with families and community partners to strengthen support systems for students, ensuring that resources are accessible to those who need them most. This may involve hosting workshops, meetings, and outreach initiatives.

Policy Development and Advocacy: Melissa works with school leadership to develop and advocate for policies that promotes equity within the district. This includes addressing issues related to discipline, curriculum, hiring practices, and more.

Email: melissa.eager@taosschools.org

575-758-5210

Financial Specialist

Santana Padilla

Email: santana.padilla@taosschools.org

575-758-5210

TITLE I: Improving The Academic Achievement Of The Disadvantaged

TITLE III - Language Instruction For Immigrant Students

TITLE IV - Student Support and Academic Enrichment

TITLE V - Rural And Low-Income School Program

Title I is the largest federal education program for elementary and secondary schools. These funds are targeted to high poverty schools and are used to provide supplementary educational services to students who are educationally disadvantaged or at risk of failing to meet the state standards. Schools have the option to follow a school wide or targeted model.

Right to Review Teacher Qualifications

The purpose of this program is to develop educational programs that will help ensure that immigrant students attain English proficiency, succeed at core academic subjects, and meet the same state academic content and student achievement standards expected of all children.

The Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Program improves student's academic achievement by increasing the capacity of States, local educational agencies, schools and local communities to: 

  1. provide all students with access to a well-rounded education; 

  2. improve school conditions for student learning;

  3. improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy for all students.

This program targets rural school districts that serve high number of poor students. Funding from the Rural Low-Income Schools Grant may be used for a wide variety of activities authorized under various Title Programs of the No Child Left Behind Act. RLIS funding may only be used to supplement and not supplant other federal, state, and local funds. The funding at each school site aligns with activities appropriate for moving the school toward the districts goals for increasing student achievement.

Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant. 

The overall goal of the CLSD grant is to improve the pre-literacy skills of children under 5 years of age and significantly increase the percentage of elementary, middle, and high school students meeting the state’s language and literacy standards especially those who are economically disadvantaged and traditionally underserved. Additionally, the grant aims to increase family engagement in schools by 30%.

Bilingual Multicultural Education Program

Taos Schools supports the language, culture, and identity of its students. District schools offered dual and heritage language bilingual programs K-12. Graduating seniors are eligible to apply for the Seal of Biliteracy to be recognized for their accomplishments in two or more languages. To date, students have been recognized for bilingualism in Spanish, Tiwa, and French.