GRANTS, N.M. – The New Mexico School Boards Association has announced its 2026 Excellence in Student Achievement Award recipients, recognizing individuals selected by local school boards for playing an important role in improving student achievement in their districts.
According to the association, 68 New Mexico school boards participated in this year’s program, selecting a record 213 recipients from across the state.
Grants-Cibola County Schools had not participated in the awards, and is not listed among the districts included in the release, however several recipients from the broader western New Mexico region were recognized.
Quemado Independent Schools had four honorees recognized: Mary Guthridge, teacher; Fran Hood, coach; Kelcie Hutton, teacher; and Cindy Waldron, CTE coordinator.
In Magdalena Municipal Schools, Jennifer Keller was recognized as a staff member.
The statewide awards reflect a broad mix of award categories, including staff members, administrators, teachers, students, school board members, parents, coaches, volunteers, and community members. According to NMSBA the program is intended to highlight the work of people local school boards believe are making a meaningful difference in student success.
The association said districts will honor recipients locally over the next few weeks. For more information on any individual recipient, NMSBA directed the public to contact the local school district.