ANTHONY, N.M. — Gadsden Independent Schools staff presented the results of a districtwide budget survey Wednesday, reporting 955 responses from parents, teachers, support staff and students and highlighting recurring priorities for the coming budget cycle.

Superintendent Dempsey summarized the results: the survey ran from Feb. 18 to March 14 and received 955 responses. "We had almost a thousand responses, 955. All schools included pre-k and high school open to all stakeholders," Dempsey said.

Why it matters: Early results will feed planning as the district develops next year’s budget. Respondents named classroom resources (books, technology and supplies) as the most-cited need (430 mentions), followed by safety and security measures (394) and facility improvements (369). Teacher salaries and retention were the single most-commonly selected priority (279 mentions). Parents and staff also prioritized student academic supports such as tutoring and intervention programs (133 mentions) and the expansion of vocational and career-readiness programs (424 mentions reported in a separate growth metric question).

Key numbers and concerns presented to trustees: 532 respondents identified as parents, 256 as teachers, about 100 as support staff and 87 as students. On specific questions, roughly three‑quarters of respondents rated the current funding and programs at their schools as middling to good (3–5 on a 5-point scale); between 16% and 28% rated various items 1 or 2. When asked about barriers to student success, 471 respondents flagged socioeconomic challenges, 407 mentioned mental-health challenges and 323 noted language barriers.

Board reaction: Trustees asked staff to bring the open-ended responses to the district’s Equity Council for help prioritizing and to return with an analysis that could inform budget decisions. Board Member Flores emphasized the importance of directing funds toward reading interventions and supports that help older students who struggle with literacy.

Ending: District staff said they will refine open‑ended responses in collaboration with the Equity Council and return with prioritized recommendations to inform the budget process.