LCPS Finance horizontal logo in all white

Financial Empowerment Through Community Collaboration

We Want to hear from you!

LCPS Finance horizontal logo in full color

2023 Budget Timeline

Legislative Session

  • 60-Day Session Begins


Survey Results

  • Survey deadline
  • Analyze results

2/7 Budget Retreat

  • Boards will determine priorities 


Budget Deadline for Department & Schools

  • Submit operating budget to Finance


Embed survey results/priorities

  • Build data into budget


Budget Review with Superintendent

District Advisory Council

  • Budget Presentation


Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations


Town Hall #2

  • Budget Survey results
  • Division budget presentations
  • Present total LCPS Elementary, Middle, High, School Budget needs

District Advisory Council

  • Budget Presentation


Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations


Town Hall #2

  • Budget Survey results
  • Division budget presentations
  • Present total LCPS Elementary, Middle, High, School Budget needs

District Advisory Council

  • Budget Presentation


Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations


Town Hall #2

  • Budget Survey results
  • Division budget presentations
  • Present total LCPS Elementary, Middle, High, School Budget needs

District Advisory Council

  • Budget Presentation


Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations


Town Hall #2

  • Budget Survey results
  • Division budget presentations
  • Present total LCPS Elementary, Middle, High, School Budget needs

District Advisory Council

  • Budget Presentation


Individual School Site School Advisory Council/PTSO Presentations


Town Hall #2

  • Budget Survey results
  • Division budget presentations
  • Present total LCPS Elementary, Middle, High, School Budget needs

Meet the LCPS Finance Team

LCPS Deputy Superintendent of Finance, Chenyu "Alex" Liu

Chenyu "Alex" Liu

Deputy Superintendent of Finance

LCPS Executive Director of Finance, Melissa Zuniga

Melissa Zuniga

Executive Director of Finance

LCPS Director of Budget Analysis & Development, Matthew Saenz

Matthew Saenz

Director of Budget Analysis & Development

LCPS Associate Director of Purchasing, Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez

Associate Director of Purchasing

LCPS Financial System Manager, Gigi Dougherty

Gigi Dougherty

Financial System Manager

We'd love to hear from you!

LCPS Deputy Superintendent of Finance, Chenyu "Alex" Liu

Chenyu “Alex” Liu

DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCE

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. 

LCPS Executive Director of Finance, Melissa Zuniga

Melissa Zuniga

Executive Director of Finance

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. 

LCPS Director of Budget Analysis & Development, Matthew Saenz

Matthew Saenz

Director of Budget Analysis & Development

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.  

LCPS Associate Director of Purchasing, Cesar Chavez

Cesar Chavez

Associate Director of Purchasing

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 Bachelors 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. 

LCPS Financial System Manager, Gigi Dougherty

Gigi Dougherty

Financial System Manager

Gigi Dougherty came to the Las Cruces Public Schools’ team in June of 2008.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University in Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Computer Systems.  She has worked as a Systems Analyst/Programmer since graduating from NMSU in 1989.  Prior to her employment with LCPS, Gigi worked as a Senior Programmer/Analyst for Flying J Travel Centers in Ogden, UT.   Her favorite part of the job at LCPS is providing assistance to the financial system users and finding solutions to their needs.  As part of this support, Gigi acts as a liaison between system users and the different software companies.  In her free time, Gigi enjoys spending time with her family, her horses and dog, gardening, baking, and being outdoors.