Finance

Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School provides access to detailed financial information. Use the links below to explore each area of our financial reporting.

FY 2026-2027 School Budget Parent Input Meeting

It is budget season and we value your input. Please attend the parent input meeting on March 25, at 5pm. Please download the FY26-27 Parent Input Budget Meeting Flyer for the link to attend the Zoom Meeting.

Transparency Commitment

Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School complies with the Sunshine Portal Transparency Act, submitting required information to the New Mexico Public Education Department. To access this information, visit the Sunshine Portal.

Contact

Chris Parrino
Business & Finance Director
Phone: 505-842-5993, ext. 20702
Email: cparrino@mrgcharter.org

Finance & Audit Committee

Members

  • Deborah Henwood - Executive Director

  • Chris Parrino - Business & Finance Director

  • Phillip Robinson - Volunteer Member with Accounting & Finance Experience (Council Member Treasurer).

  • Kay Rice - Community Representative (Council Member).

  • Ellen Bayard - Community Representative (Council Member Secretary).

  • Nicholas Nuñez- Committee Member (Parent of a student in the charter)

Annual Financial Statements

Summary of Audit Findings by Fiscal Year

Budget Summary Reports by Fiscal Year

Budget Revenue Reports by Fiscal Year

Budget Expenditure Reports by Fiscal Year

Budget Adjustment Requests

Budgetary Revenues by Quarter

Budgetary Expenditures by Quarter

Cash Reports by Quarter

Bank Register Reports by Quarter

Procurement, Travel, and Gas Card Expenses Reports

Investment Reports

Finance Frequently Asked Questions

How is Montessori of the Rio Grande funded?

Montessori of the Rio Grande is a public charter school and receives most of its funding from the State of New Mexico based on student enrollment. The school may also receive federal funding, state grants, and private donations to support specific programs and initiatives.

Does tuition pay for my child's education?

Kindergarten through 5th Grade: No. Montessori of the Rio Grande's K-5 program is a public charter school, and students attend tuition-free.

Pre-K 3-Year-Old and Pre-K 4-Year-Old Programs: Yes. Tuition is charged for students enrolled in the school's preschool programs.

Public funding supports the K-5 educational program, while preschool tuition helps support the operation of the school's early childhood programs.

What happens if enrollment changes?

Because state funding is largely based on student enrollment, changes in enrollment can affect the school's budget. School leadership regularly monitors enrollment trends and adjusts financial plans to ensure resources remain aligned with student needs.

Who oversees the school's finances?

School finances are monitored by the Governing Council, the Finance & Audit Committee, school administration, independent auditors, the New Mexico Public Education Department, and other state agencies. Multiple layers of oversight help ensure public funds are used responsibly.

What is the Finance & Audit Committee?

The Finance & Audit Committee reviews financial reports, budgets, audit results, internal controls, and compliance matters. The committee makes recommendations to the Governing Council and helps support financial accountability and transparency.

What is an annual audit?

Every year, an independent public accounting firm examines the school's financial records, internal controls, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Audit results are made available to the public through this website.

What does it mean when an audit has "no findings"?

A finding is an issue identified during an audit. An audit with no findings means the auditors did not identify reportable issues related to financial reporting, internal controls, or compliance requirements.

Why does the school publish financial reports online?

As a public school, Montessori of the Rio Grande is committed to transparency and accountability. Publishing financial information allows parents, community members, staff, and taxpayers to see how public funds are managed.

What is a Budget Adjustment Request (BAR)?

A Budget Adjustment Request allows a school to revise its approved budget during the year. BARs may be necessary when additional funding is received, enrollment changes, or operational needs require reallocating resources.

Where does the school's money go?

The majority of school expenditures support student learning and school operations, including:

  • Teacher and staff salaries and benefits

  • Instructional materials and classroom supplies

  • Student support services

  • Special education services

  • School administration

  • Technology

  • Building operations and maintenance

  • Contracted services

Detailed expenditure reports are available throughout this finance section.

Can parents review the school's checkbook and credit card spending?

Yes. Montessori of the Rio Grande publishes detailed reports that include procurement card, travel card, gas card, bank register, and other financial activity reports as part of its commitment to transparency.

How much money does the school keep in reserve?

The school's reserve balance changes throughout the year based on cash flow, enrollment, grant funding, and planned expenditures. Current reserve and cash balance information is available in the quarterly Cash Reports published within this finance section.

What is the Sunshine Portal?

The New Mexico Sunshine Portal is a state-maintained website that provides citizens with information about government spending, revenues, employee compensation, contracts, and other public financial information.

How can I ask questions about the school's finances?

Community members are encouraged to contact the Business & Finance Director with questions regarding financial reports, budgets, audits, or other fiscal matters.

Are charter schools taking money away from Albuquerque Public Schools?

Funding follows students. When a family chooses a public charter school, the state funding associated with that student follows the student to the school they attend. Charter schools and school districts are both public schools and are funded under New Mexico's public education funding system.