On February 7th 2006, the Las Cruces Public School Board, granted CSEC-LC request for volunteer recognition of the Physical Plant Department as a stand alone unit for the purpose of collective bargaining. After a period of tense debate, a vote was taken . 4 Members voted yes and one voted no. Irma Valdespino, President, CSEC-LC, thanked the board for their vote and stated that the Union was now looking for a productive bargaining session in the near future.