GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants Cibola County School held a meeting on May 5, convening for approximately 3 hours. During this time, they discussed the GCCS budget, superintendent evaluation instrument, and the strategic plan.
Budget
Financial director Cooper Jones provided a clear and transparent breakdown of the district’s finances. This year’s budget situation reflects a similar trend as seen in about 50% of school districts across the state. Jones explained that the normal budget timeline includes a typical April 15th deadline, but this year’s submission was due on April 27th, emphasizing the need for preliminary or draft budget approval prior to final submission.
Important components of the budget include the SEG amount received on April 23 and carryover cash, which is determined postaudit. The budget is structured to ensure compliance with state allocations, classroom size maximums, and accreditation standards. Stakeholder engagement is an integral part of the budget process, involving budget analysts, surveys, public meetings, and virtual presentations.“ What we did for our people is… every district employee is going to make a thousand dollars more next year than they made this year,” Cooper Jones said. “Next year our kitchens by state law have to cook 50% from scratch. Do you know how much more money we’re getting to do that? None.”
Key initiatives, such as the Title VI expenditure approval. Are also facilitated through district forums. The budget approval timeline is set for June, with the 901B10 form serving as the final step, affirming SEG acceptance and the approved spending plan. Additionally, the state mandates a 1% average salary increase for all employees, and every district employee is set to receive a $1000 raise next year, aimed at improving recruitment and retention.
Superintendent Evaluation Instrument
Superintendent Lane Widner emphasized on the evaluation of the superintendent to ensure effective leadership and accountability. The evaluation process is designed to assess the superintendent’s performance and the alignment of their goals with the district’s mission. Utilizing structured instrument, the evaluation encourages the involvement of stakeholders, including board members and faculty, to provide comprehensive feedback. This collaborative approach helps in identifying strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately fostering a transparent environment within the district.
Strategic Plan
Superintendent Widner explained the district’s strategic plan is focused on enhancing educational outcomes and operational effectiveness. Central to this plan is an emphasis on improved recruitment and retention of high-quality teachers, which has successfully reduced the need for long-term substitutes. Competitive salary structures have been implemented to align compensation with the cost of living, especially for lower-paid employees.
The district is also revising the exit interview process to gather feedback on employee departures, which will inform further retention strategies. Understanding the factors contributing to turnover is crucial for developing a stable workforce that positively impacts student achievement. Additionally, the strategic plan reflects the district’s commitment to proving adequate insurance coverage for employees earning $50,000 or more, ensuring that 80% of their benefits are covered by the state.
Upcoming
May 15, 2026 Early College High School Graduation 10:00 A.M.
May 22, 2026 Grants High School Graduation 6:00 P.M.
May 23, 2026 Laguna Acoma High School Graduation 9:00 A.M.
May 25, 2026 Memorial Day District Closed May 28, 2026 End Spring Semester