Gallup-McKinley awards staff incentives after top gains on state assessments

The Gallup-McKinley County Schools board recognized 10 district schools for the largest percentage-point gains on recent state assessments and presented ceremonial checks to principals and staff at its meeting.

A board presenter said the incentives are tied to a set of board-approved criteria and aimed to reward staff for academic growth. "This money goes to each staff member in the school ... anywhere from a thousand dollars all the way up to $3,000 per person at the school," the presenter said during the meeting.

School names read aloud included Navajo Middle School, Thoreau High School, Tallahatchie (high school), Gallup Central High School and a set of elementary schools including Jefferson Elementary, Chee Dodge Elementary, Grama Elementary and Red Rock Elementary. The presenter read each school's percentage-point increase and invited principals and staff to the front to receive their checks and pose for a group photo.

Board members and staff framed the awards as both recognition and incentive. "It takes a school community ... to have this kind of growth," the presenter said, adding the board hoped the incentives would encourage continued improvement.

District staff said the program was budgeted for the current year and that whether it continues in future years will depend on priorities set during the annual budget process; staff said they expect to bring the question back during the next budget season.

The board noted the awards were ceremonial and did not change broader district policy. The board also reminded the public that details about the awards and the list of schools were shared at the meeting and that the board would continue to support districtwide efforts to improve student outcomes.