Las Cruces Public Schools is recognizing the dedicated employees who help turn schools into hubs of support, connection and opportunity for students and families following Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week, observed Sept. 13-19.
Community school coordinators serve as a critical link between schools, families and the greater Las Cruces community. Their work often begins with a simple question: What do students and families need to be successful?
The answers can lead to tutoring and after-school programs, food distributions, health and dental services, family engagement opportunities, attendance support, mentoring, access to clothing and basic necessities, or connections to community organizations equipped to help.
LCPS currently has eight designated community schools: Alameda Community Elementary School, Booker T. Washington Community Elementary School, Conlee Community Elementary School, Doña Ana Community Elementary School, MacArthur Community Elementary School, Mesilla Park Community Elementary School, Lynn Community Middle School and Sunrise Community Elementary School.
While each community is different, the role of the coordinator is rooted in relationships. Coordinators work alongside principals, teachers, students, families and community partners to assess needs, identify resources and create systems of support tailored to their individual school communities.
Across LCPS, that work is visible in countless ways. At Lynn Community Middle School, Community School Coordinator Diahn Nevares has helped expand after-school opportunities and student leadership programs while supporting resources including an on-campus health clinic, dental services and a community resource room. At MacArthur Community Elementary School, partnerships have connected families with regular distributions of fresh food and produce.
At Booker T. Washington Community Elementary School, Community School Coordinator Jessica Barnhill has helped develop tutoring, enrichment opportunities and family support services based on needs identified by the school community. Earlier this year, Barnhill was named the 2026 National Community School Coordinator, recognizing her leadership and dedication to students and families.
That national recognition reflects work happening throughout LCPS.
“Community school coordinators understand that what happens outside the classroom can have a tremendous impact on what happens inside it,” said LCPS Community Schools Manager Johnny Rivera. “They listen to families, build relationships and bring people together around the needs of students. Their work reflects our commitment to ensuring every child has the support and opportunity to thrive.”