Seniors prepare for graduation
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – The five-member Grants/Cibola County School District board received good news at the April 20 meeting. Business and Finance Director Steve Maldonado described preparations for finalizing the 2021-22 budget, which begins on July 1. Director Maldonado explained four sources of revenue which will provide the district’s operating budget with more than $12 million. Two are federal funding that Congress has enacted in response to the pandemic that began in 2020.
The district will receive $1.6 million from CARES, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The second is $6.3 million from CRRSA, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act, which provides additional financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Director Maldonado reiterated the detailed plans for how the district will use the CRRSA funding.
He described how the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit continues to affect G/CCSD. The Impact Aid formula, which is based on the federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes, will retroactively award the district $2.7 million; Maldonado said future annual Impact Aid will be $3.5 million.
The director and board members then reviewed the draft operating budget and discussed various expenditures. (Maldonado presented the final version at last night’s meeting.)
Following board approval, the budget must be submitted to the New Mexico Public Education Department on May 5, explained Maldonado.
Graduation plans
Principal Jackie Sanchez, Laguna-Acoma High School, reported that 44 of the 54 L-AHS seniors will participate in the May 22 graduation ceremony. He described how staff and parents are collaborating so that six seniors, who are being monitored, can earn a diploma during the district’s 10-day Extended Learning Program this summer. The remaining four seniors do not have enough credits to graduate in 2021.
Principal Lane Widner, Grants High School, said that 153 of the 173 seniors will receive diplomas during the May 21 GHS ceremony. Two of this year’s senior class plan to return to GHS next fall to complete the required curriculum; 18 other seniors still lack credits which they can earn by taking short coursework, noted the principal.
Both principals acknowledged that this academic year has been especially challenging for seniors, who are taking dual-credit classes because some areas in the county lack reliable internet service.
COVID update
Superintendent Max Perez announced implementation of the student surveillance COVID testing program. He emphasized that the program is voluntary. The district is also coordinating opportunities for 16- and 17-year-old students to receive the vaccine. District Health Coordinator Sonya Hernandez is collaborating with the New Mexico Department of Health for vaccination clinics; parental consent is required before a student can be immunized. The NMDOH and G/CCSD are offering a Pfizer Vaccination Event, May 12, at GHS, 500 Mountain Rd., Grants, for eligible students.
Other items
Board members approved four action items: the 2021-2022 Title III Local Plan, the New Mexico Finance Authority application, which is required before the NMFA will consider the Notice of Sale of General Obligation Bonds. The upcoming G.O Bond sales, $3 million, are designated for the costs of building a new Mesa View Elementary School in Grants. Mesa View is the next facility on the list for replacing outdated schools in the G/CCSD strategic plan. The district anticipates completion of the Bluewater Elementary School prior to the 2021-22 academic year.
The board also approved a resolution relating to board elections and tax levy.
Upcoming events and meetings
• Tuesday, May 18, board teleconferencing meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 21, Grants High School graduation, 5 p.m.
• Saturday, May 22, Laguna-Acoma High School graduation, 6 p.m.
• May 26, end of Spring Semester
Visit https://www.gccs.k12.nm.us/home or call 505-285-2603 for more information.