District considers returning two state planning grants amid limited capacity

Superintendent Dr. Segura told the board the district received notification of two state planning grants — New Mexico Grads (for programming to support students who are parents) and a Community Schools planning grant for $40,000 — but she said the district currently lacks the capacity to implement either program this fiscal year and recommended returning the funds rather than obligating them without a clear plan.

"We received the grant for the funds, and this is to fund programming for pregnant mothers and fathers in the district," Dr. Segura said of the New Mexico Grads award. Members raised questions about whether any in‑kind or one-time purchases had already been made on behalf of those grants, whether the district head-start arrangement had previously served as a childcare option, and whether tribal organizations or other partners might supplement or staff such programs if the board wanted to retain the grants.

District staff indicated they had not yet received grant funds (they are flow-through grants) and that, given the June 30 spending deadline and limited implementation capacity, returning the grants was the prudent choice. Several board members urged staff to exhaust options (local partners, tribal funding supplements, or re-purpose where allowable) before returning funds. The board did not immediately finalize a vote on returning funds; they scheduled further discussion and suggested the item be brought back soon for action once administration completes a review of existing in-kind work and partnership options.