Recognition is the first in district history
The Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) Finance Division has been honored with the prestigious Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Budget Award, the first-ever recognition of its kind in district history. This remarkable achievement underscores the division’s commitment to financial excellence and transparency in managing public funds. A list of winners was included on the GFOA website under “Winners with a fiscal year beginning in 2024.”
The GFOA, established in 1906, represents over 20,000 public finance officials across the United States and Canada. Its mission is to advance excellence in public finance, with members involved in the critical tasks of planning, financing, and implementing government operations at all levels. The GFOA Budget Award is recognized nationwide as the highest honor in governmental budgeting, reflecting the association’s rigorous standards for effective budget presentation.
The GFOA award evaluates budgets on their ability to meet nationally recognized guidelines, which include:
Providing a policy document that sets forth financial and operational priorities.
Acting as a financial plan for resource allocation.
Serving as a communications tool that fosters transparency and understanding among stakeholders.
Demonstrating a framework for accountability and efficient management.
This recognition not only reflects the high standards upheld by the LCPS Finance Division but also assures the community that the district’s financial practices are aligned with best-in-class methodologies.
“Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Finance Division,” said Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz. “This milestone highlights our ongoing commitment to financial accountability, transparency, and service to our community.”
Part of that transparency, according to Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Chenyu “Alex” Liu, includes providing opportunities for community stakeholders to hear directly from the LCPS Finance Division on how public funds are budgeted and spent, as well as a community survey for people to provide their own feedback on district spending priorities. The 2025 Budget Survey, available in multiple languages, is open now through Jan. 31 on the district’s website.
For more information about the award or the Las Cruces Public Schools Finance Division’s ongoing initiatives, please visit their website, https://lcpsfinance.net.