The Grants Cibola County School Board meeting taking place on February 3, lasted nearly four hours. In this meeting, they discussed the senior cohort, an LAHS donation, and consent agenda.
Additionally, Superintendent Lane Widner said, “We are anticipating that [Mesa View Elementary] will be finished in May, [and] will be ready to open [in] August.”
New Board Member
Recently, the GCCS District 5 board member, Dr Guy Archambeau retired. Anew board member, Donalyn Lorenzo, has taken his place.
2026 GCCS Senior Cohort
Principals Stevy Elkins (GHS), Dr. Delton Martin (Early College HS), and Amy Ray (LAHS) presented an early presentation of the Spring 2026 graduation cohort.
Cohort Counts:
• Early College High School: 11 students (1 in credit recovery)
• Grants High School: 179 students (18 in credit recovery, 9 potential retentions)
• Laguna-Acoma High School: 61 students (1 in credit recovery, 1 potential retention) On-Track Rates:
• Early College High School: 92%
• Grants High School: 85%
• Laguna-Acoma High School: 91-97% During this update, it was also explained how the graduation rates are calculated using a shared accountability model. Schools receive a graduation rate for serving grades 9-12, with student outcomes proportionally distributed according to enrollment information taken throughout the year (40-day, 80-day, 120-day, and End of Year).
Notably, a New Mexico Diploma of Excellence is required for a student to count as a graduate. Certificates of completion, GEDs, and HiSETs do not meet graduation requirements.
Graduation rates in New Mexico reflect official accountability measures, not the number of students walking at the ceremony. For example, a student may graduate at a different school or leave mid-year and still impact the original school’s rate.
LAHS HOSA Receives Donation
Laguna-Acoma High School’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter was approved their donation amounting in $1,428.56 from the New Mexico Career Technical Leadership Project. Superintendent Widner explained that the state office awards stipends to Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) chapters in good standing. These chapters must maintain membership, pay their dues, and actively participate in leadership and career development activities.
HOSA advisor Stephanie Ramsey shared that the funds will be used to purchase official HOSA attire for students representing LAHS at competitions. “It allows our students to look the professional part,” she said.
Currently, the chapter has 17 members. Eight students competed at regionals, and six qualified for the state competition in April. “These kids are getting actual hands-on skills with medical equipment,” Ramsey added.
Upcoming
February 5-7: NMSBA Board Institute Santa Fe, NM February 6: Parent/Teacher Conferences no students February 16: President’s Day District Closed February 17: Regular board meeting