In a regular school board meeting taking place on June 24th and lasting approximately three and a half hours, the board discussed the staffing situation at GCCS, a grant they were awarded, assessment data, the ratification of the 20252026 union negotiated agreement, and the school food service.
Notably, the school district budget approved in the June 3rd meeting amounted to $30,000,000, 80% of which goes to salaries, and there was a $4,000,000 deficit.
Staffing & Grant
The staffing situation in Grants Cibola County Schools is considered to be balanced. With a fully staffed school, comes resignations from others, making the situation difficult for progress.
“We continue to work to try to get fully staffed and get all of the right people in the right places.” Superintendent Lane Widner said, noting that, at that time, they were a week away from the start of the fiscal school year.
Additionally, GCCS was awarded the National School Board Association Go Green Grant. This grant is $50,000 and is to be used to improve the air quality inside schools.
Assessment Data
According to the interim assessment data showing the beginning of year (BOY) and end of year (EOY), the students have made considerable progress.
BOY Reading: 27% Math: 17% Language: 23% EOY Reading: 33% Math: 35% Language: 31% This data shows a 6% increase in reading, an 18% increase in math, and an 8% increase in language.
Those who participated in STAR reading and math saw a 27% increase to 43% in reading and 27% increase to 53% in math.
Union Agreement
The 2025-2026 Union Negotiated Agreement was ratified and provides a unique benefit for staff. This agreement, which was suggested by the union and approved by GCCS, allows employees to be granted sick, personal, and bereavement leave. With bereavement leave being a new addition, staff no longer need to use their sick or personal leave when a family member passes away.
School Food Service
The recent memorandum of understanding between the district and Serves Fresh Everybody (SFE) marks a significant step in elevating food services for students across the school system. This collaboration aims to provide quality and nutritious meals, enhancing the overall dining experience in our schools. “Our goal is for our kids not to go hungry.” Superintendent Widner stated “And for there to be good quality food that they like.”
Members of the food services team are Edwina Hennemann as the GCCS Representative, Rex Lish and Kevin Gutierrez from SFE as a corporate partner, Carol Burnett, who serves as the on-site manager. Burnett has been actively involved in overseeing the GCCS program and frequently visits the kitchens to ensure operations run smoothly.
Lish, the new addition to the team, is set to play a vital role in refining the program and has already participated in several meetings to understand the partnership better.
Superintendent Widner emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in food quality, stating, “We want to evaluate, make sure the food is [good] quality, the kids are liking it, the quality is good, and the salad bars have good food.” To this end, he plans to conduct evaluations every 60, 90, and 120 days throughout the school year, with key dates for assessment set for September 15, November 30, and February 15.
Substantial changes are coming as part of this agreement. The district plans to invest in a mobile kitchen and food truck stationed at Early College High School, which will allow students to access fresh and healthy food options. Plans also include a mobile concession purchase that will offer snack bar options including coffee, Gatorades, trail mix, and more.
A plan to get away from processed meat is also in the works.
An initiative called the Roving Chef will allow elementary students to learn meal preparation, where they may even have the opportunity to serve lunch to the principal and dine with him. The goal is to ensure fair pricing and consistency through the concessions that are returned to GCCS.
This partnership with SFE encourages diverse food options to enhance student dining experiences, such as three distinct food offerings, snack bars, and consistent concession stands.
For elementary students, there is an ambition to have breakfast available in classrooms and for the older students, the food to be in front so they can get it as they walk into school.
To support these enhancements, there is an urgent need to recruit over fifteen staff dedicated to food services. Hennemann highlighted the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in staffing, ensuring that students receive the best possible service.
A grant that is helpful in improving the food at GCCS was recently given to them. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant serves to incorporate fresh produce into their diets twice a week. This federal initiative encourages children to try new fruits and vegetables they might not encounter otherwise.
“Our goal with that grant would be to have snacks for our kids in the afternoon as well.” Widner explained.
An SFE member stated “Our ultimate goal is to feed kids. We want to give them the freshest options. Burritos, breakfast burritos that are not premade. We want to make things that they can grab and go… We have a lot of good things that we are working with and want to partner with to bring some exciting new options, bring in some fun to the cafeterias, partner with sports to take meals when they go on the bus.”
SFE is planned to engage with the school board regularly, conducting monthly presentations to highlight their initiatives and improvements. With a $2.7 million contract extension approved for SFE's food service, this partnership not only aims to meet immediate food needs but also aspires to foster a culture of healthy eating among students. As the school district looks to future advancements in its food services, the collaborative efforts of SFE, educators, and staff highlight a commitment to creating an enriching and supportive environment where no child goes hungry. These alternatives are promising to make school meals an enjoyable and beneficial experience for all students.
Upcoming
Canceled: July 1, 2025, Regular School Board Meeting July 8, 2025, Work Session July 15, 2025, Regular Board Meeting July 22-24 Charging the Storm Leadership Summit August 4-6, 2025, Welcome Back to GCCS 2025-- 2026