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Board approves 2026–27 budget amid concerns over strategic-plan alignment and pending audit
Summary
Board approved the 2026–27 Grants-Cibola County Schools budget after staff said PED granted use of carryover cash; one board member voted no, citing lack of strategic-plan progress reports and limited tribal engagement in budget development.
Mr. Jones, the district finance lead, told the board the 2026–27 budget as presented is balanced. He explained the district’s audit is not yet complete but the New Mexico Public Education Department authorized use of the district’s carryover Indian cash balance so awards could be accepted and the budget submitted.
During discussion, one board member said she would vote against the budget, citing three months of requests for documentation showing progress on the previous strategic plan and greater tribal engagement in budget development. She said the vote was not opposition to paying bills or district staff but reflected concerns about transparency, measurable alignment to district priorities and community outreach.
Mr. Jones described the audit process, told the board the audit firm has a heavy workload across many districts and that staff expect the audit to be available in late summer. He recommended the board approve the budget so district operations and cash-flow planning can continue; he also proposed a fall budget overview session to revisit assumptions and adjustments.
The board moved to approve the 2026–27 GCCS budget; the motion carried following a vote recorded in the meeting.
