Treasurer Taylor expands Junior County Treasurer program to four students and outlines 90-hour curriculum

Sandoval County Treasurer Taylor told the Board of Finance she has selected four high-school students for the 2025 Junior County Treasurer program and expanded the program from two to four participants. Taylor said the students were welcomed at a reception and will begin a semester-long curriculum the week of the 18th.

Taylor named the students she selected: Danielle Moody, a junior at Cuba High School; Faith Young, a senior (school referenced as "Cleveland High School" in the transcript); Isaac Baca, a senior at Bernalillo High School; and a junior from the ASK Academy (name presented in transcript as "Pukkuradze"; treasurer acknowledged uncertainty over spelling). The program requires students to complete 90 hours of learning in the treasurer's office and attend a board of finance meeting, an investment committee meeting, a commission meeting and to conduct a mock board of finance at the end of the semester. Taylor said Orlando Hawkes helped create the curriculum and that participating students will receive elective credit awarded by their schools upon program completion.

Commissioner Jones asked how transportation and scheduling for students from across the county would be handled. Taylor said the treasurer's office coordinated with participating schools; some schools will provide transportation for students who live farther away, and the program is designed to be flexible around students' schedules. Taylor also said she would explore grant funding or a stipend to help with transportation or participation costs next year.

Board members commended Taylor and her staff for the program and offered support. "I just wanted to thank you and your team for putting this together," one commissioner said. Taylor said she purchased dinner for the reception out of pocket and expressed appreciation for board members who attended.