The Taos Municipal Schools Finance Committee meeting on March 8, 2025, highlighted significant challenges in staffing and funding allocations, particularly in the wake of ongoing educational needs. A key discussion point was the difficulty in recruiting qualified candidates for district coordinator positions, with salaries starting at $86,000 for those without leadership licenses and around $90,000 for those with them. Despite efforts to promote internal staff advancement, a recent candidate opted to remain in the classroom, leaving a gap in leadership roles.

In terms of funding, the committee reviewed the allocation of approximately $5.9 million from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict expenditure guidelines. Notably, 20% of these funds were earmarked for evidence-based interventions aimed at addressing learning loss exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Investments included upgraded Chromebooks for students in grades 3-12, software for online learning, and support for bilingual education.

The meeting also covered the Title I fund, which aims to support students from low-income families, with over $1.2 million awarded and half already expended. The Title IV fund, focused on safe and healthy schools, received $83,517, nearly fully utilized. The committee underscored the importance of aligning all expenditures with federal guidelines and maintaining transparency through board approvals for significant purchases.

As the district navigates these financial and staffing challenges, the emphasis remains on enhancing educational resources and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed. The next steps will involve continued monitoring of fund allocations and addressing staffing shortages to improve educational outcomes in the community.