Gadsden ISD passes $430.1 million budget for 2023-24 academic year

SANTA TERESA, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Gadsden ISD budget for the 2023-24 academic school year passed this last Thursday. The budget of $430.1 million will implement a six percent pay increase to all Gadsden I-S-D employees.

The increase, was approved along with a $15.00 minimum wage. These raises are part of the district's efforts to retain employees and attract new people to the district.

"I believe this is a statement that says we value, you know, we're trying to show how much we value them and how much of a critical component, we can't afford to lose them." Said Travis Dempsey, superintendent of Gadsden ISD.

As part of the approved budget, Gadsden ISD will also allocate $3 million of its budget to increase the number of school resource officers.

According to Dempsey, the increase of SROs is a long-term project that is still in the planning since candidates will need to apply, get hired, and ultimately get the necessary training to perform their duties.