Easton memorial scholarship fund established as crash investigation continues
Some school-related stories we’ve been keeping an eye on:
Investigation into crash that killed Brian Easton continues as a foundation launches a scholarship fund in his name
LAPS Board renews superintendent’s contract through 2028
LAPS hosts public board candidate forum and budget information session next week
Easton memorial scholarship established as crash investigation continues
The Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation has established a memorial scholarship fund to honor longtime Los Alamos resident and educator Dr. Brian Easton, who was killed in a pedestrian-vehicle crash at Urban Park on March 15.
LAPSF Executive Director Jenny McCumber told Boomtown that she expects the first scholarship in Easton’s honor to be awarded this year. Donation information is available on the LAPSF website, or contact McCumber at 505-500-6501 or email j.mccumber@laschools.net.
Boomtown contacted the Los Alamos Police Department on April 3 for more information regarding the circumstances surrounding Easton’s death. Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone said, “The crash is still under investigation, and we don’t have any new information to share at this time.”
Superintendent Jennifer Guy’s contract renewed
The Los Alamos Public Schools board on March 10 unanimously passed a motion to extend Superintendent Jennifer Guy’s contract through the end of the 2027-2028 school year. The public vote followed a closed-door executive session by the board. The motion also included a provision for Guy to enter compensation renegotiation discussions with Board President Sondra Wyman.
According to the 2025-2026 first-quarter financial expenditure report published by LAPS, Guy currently receives a total compensation package of $260,238.83, consisting of a salary of $204,020.75 and benefits worth $56,218.08.
Monday, April 6: District 1 candidate forum
LAPS will host a public forum for the three candidates who have applied to fill the District 1 seat recently vacated after newly elected board member Margie Serrato resigned on March 26 citing “pressing family obligations that demand an expeditious relocation.”
District 1 includes Western White Rock, as well as Elk Ridge Mobile Home Park and parts of downtown Los Alamos. The three candidates (in alphabetical order) are Elisa Baker, Stephanie Galvez, and Katie Mussack.
School board policy 8250 states that, in the event of a vacancy, remaining board members “will appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy.” The appointee will serve only until the next school board election, which will be held in November 2027.
Tuesday, April 7: School budget information session
LAPS district administrators on April 7 will hold a “community input and information session” on the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 school year. The in-person meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 pm inside the LAPS boardroom at 2075 Trinity Drive.
According to a district press release, “The session will be a collaborative process to give attendees the chance to identify the best ways to support the school district’s strategic plan and improve outcomes for all of our students.”
Details of this year’s budget proposal have not yet been released, but the 2025-2026 LAPS operational budget was approximately 60 million dollars. Superintendent Jennifer Guy will present the proposed 2026-2027 budget to the school board at the April 14 board meeting. Following the meeting, the budget will be sent to state officials for final approval.