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Budget Survey Committee
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Present Draft to LCPS Board
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Budget Town Hall #1
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Budget Town Hall #2
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Budget Town Hall #3
Finance Subcommittee Budget Presentation
Budget Adoption LCPS
June – Submit Budget to NMPED
Start of new fiscal year
Budget Control Functions
LCPS Budget Book
Government Finance Officer’s Association (GFOA)
Start Budget Process for New Fiscal Year
Budget Survey Committee
Budget Survey Finalize
Present Draft to LCPS Board
Budget Town Hall #1
LCPS Community Survey Advertise:
Staff Budget Training
Budget Survey Launch
Determine Needs
Budget Development
Deadline for Budget Survey
Budget Survey Analysis
Legislative Session
School-Site
Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations
Finance Subcommittee
Equity Council
School-Site & Department Local Budget
Finance Subcommittee
Budget Town Hall #2
District Advisory Council
Receive unit value
Adjust for final allocation
Budget Town Hall #3
Finance Subcommittee Budget Presentation
Budget Adoption LCPS
June – Submit Budget to NMPED
Budget Control Functions
LCPS Budget Book
Submit Budget Book to Government Finance Officer’s Association (GFOA)
Start budget process for FY 2027
Legislative Session
Survey Results
2/7 Budget Retreat
Budget Deadline for Department & Schools
Embed survey results/priorities
Budget Review with Superintendent
District Advisory Council
Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations
Town Hall #2
District Advisory Council
Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations
Town Hall #2
District Advisory Council
Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations
Town Hall #2
District Advisory Council
Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations
Town Hall #2
District Advisory Council
Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations
Town Hall #2
Deputy Superintendent of Finance
Executive Director of Finance
Director of Budget Analysis & Development
Director of Purchasing
System Administrator
Associate Controller
Chenyu “Alex” Liu began his career in New Mexico education in 2010 as an Educational Assistant. His favorite part of his job is working with kids and ensuring the best education services have been provided to our students. Chenyu holds a Master’s degree in business with a focus on Finance and Accounting. Before his career in education, Chenyu served as a partner in the equipment manufacturing industry and was a Director in Real Estate Development in China. Chenyu is a proud dad of two LCPS students and enjoys spending his personal time with his family.
Melissa Zuniga began her career with Las Cruces Public Schools as a Bookkeeper. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at New Mexico State University (NMSU), she worked as an Accountant for the City of Las Cruces. She then returned to the district and continued her education at NMSU where she received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Over her 27 years with the District, she has had the opportunity to work with great mentors who have helped develop and brought her into the position she now holds. Her favorite part of the job is working with her team to ensure public funds are used to provide the best educational opportunities for our students. In her free time, Melissa enjoys time with family, friends and traveling to attend all her children’s sporting events.
Matthew Saenz began his career in Finance as the Assistant Controller at a Financial Institution. He continued his career in Accounting at New Mexico State University and most recently served as the Interim Chief Budget Officer with the City of Las Cruces. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from New Mexico State University. His favorite part of the job is working with people and working to provide opportunities for students. In his free time, Matthew enjoys snowboarding and mountain biking.
Cesar Chavez began his career in education finance in 2016 as a Buyer for the Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS). He continued to grow his knowledge of procurement through his mentors and additional education. This additional knowledge attributed to his growth in becoming the Senior Buyer, and now the Associate Director of Purchasing. Cesar is an LCPS product earning his High School Diploma from Onate High School and continued his education at New Mexico State University. He graduated with honors and holds his Bachelor’s of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Management. His favorite part of the job is ensuring the students receive the best products and services, while ensuring taxpayers dollars are spent efficiently. In his free time, Cesar enjoys working out, playing all sports, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.
Crystal Valdez began her career with Las Cruces Public Schools as a System Administrator. Prior to that she spent 12 years working at New Mexico State University in various roles supporting the Finance System and Accounting. She is a proud Aggie as this is where she obtained her Accounting and Master’s in Business Administration degrees. Her favorite part of her job is learning and sharing her knowledge with others to empower them with growth and understanding. During her free time, she enjoys volunteering, sports and loving on her granddaughters.
Alfredo Pacheco started his finance career in the healthcare industry as a home health and hospice consultant. He advanced his career in this field to become the Controller/Executive Director of Finance for multiple regional hospitals in New Mexico. He subsequently worked in operations for the Mescalero Apache Tribe and finance for the City of Las Cruces. He is new to Las Cruces Public Schools and is looking forward to working with staff to ensure teachers and students have what they need to thrive. Alfredo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from New Mexico State University. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and is a sports enthusiast.
