Schools Seek Family Input as District Plans 2027 Budget

Gallup McKinley County Schools posted a notice on December 9 asking parents and guardians to take a short community survey as the district begins planning its 2027 budget. The announcement appeared across school and site level news pages within the GMCS network and directed readers to the district survey link and contact information for submitting feedback.

The district framed the survey as a chance for families to share priorities and perspectives that will guide budgeting decisions. Because school budgets determine staffing levels, programs and services, community input can influence how resources are allocated across classrooms and support programs in the coming budget cycle. Responses collected now will be folded into early planning for the 2027 fiscal year.

For McKinley County families the implications reach beyond classroom materials and course offerings. District budget decisions affect school nursing coverage, mental health counseling, special education services, school meal programs, transportation and extracurricular opportunities. Those services are closely tied to public health and to efforts to reduce disparities in academic and health outcomes. In communities with limited access to health care and high rates of economic hardship, school based services often act as critical access points for care and for early intervention.

Community participation is also a question of equity. When parents and guardians from underserved neighborhoods, rural areas and households with limited time or internet access do not participate, their priorities risk being underrepresented in planning. The district said it wants community perspective as it prepares financial plans, and the survey is the mechanism through which families can communicate needs and priorities.

Parents and guardians who want their voices considered should look for the survey on GMCS school news pages or contact the district office for access details. The district will use the collected feedback as it develops budget proposals for 2027, and those proposals will shape what services and supports are available to students across McKinley County in the years ahead.