Rio Rancho, Bernalillo schools ask voters for $110 million in bond projects

RIO RANCHO/BERNALILLO — Rio Rancho and Bernalillo public schools are asking voters for a combined $110 million in bond projects in the upcoming general election.

The RRPS Board of Education approved an $80 million bond ballot measure for the Nov. 4 election, while the Bernalillo Public Schools Board of Education approved one worth $30 million.

Neither bond, if approved, will increase voters’ tax rates. Both would provide new or critical updates to facilities, according to respective district bond information.

Rio Rancho

New pre-kindergarten facility ($17 million): Modeled after the district’s Shining Stars Preschool, the new school would come in response to Rio Rancho having the highest percentage of underserved pre-K children. The facility, with an estimated cost of $41 million, would likely be funded by a $24 million match from the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority if voters approve the bond.

Completion of 2023 bond items ($20 million): While RRPS asked voters to help fund the construction of a new Independence High School two years ago, officials say the district is “feeling the effects firsthand” of inflation, according to district information. Aside from that project, RRPS also wants to prioritize “roof replacements, drainage repairs, and electrical infrastructure upgrades at several other schools around the district.”

STEAM Magnet School — Phase 1 ($18 million): At 50 years old, Rio Rancho Elementary School is the oldest educational facility within the school district. Officials would like to turn it info a school dedicated to science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) curriculum. It could also be a new home for the National UFO Historical Records Center.

Facilities upgrades ($10 million): A hodgepodge of improvements would include air-conditioning upgrades to Maggie Cordova Elementary School, roof and drainage upgrades to Ernest Stapleton Elementary School, a bus loop redesign at Vista Grande Elementary School and intercom upgrades to numerous schools.

Land acquisition and day care center ($7 million): RRPS would purchase $2 million in land to build a new middle school. Another $5 million would be used to construct a permanent day care facility, Enchanted Mesa Daycare, for school district employees.

Athletic and band field repairs ($8 million): RRPS wants fixes for the track field and main soccer field at Rio Rancho High School and the soccer fields at Cleveland High School. The fields where bands march at both high schools would also be repaired.

More information can be found at rrps.net.

Bernalillo

The $30 million bond measure that appears on registered voters’ ballots said the funds would be used for building, remodeling and adding to school buildings; improving school grounds; purchasing computer software or hardware; and providing matching funds for capital projects.

According to BPS spokesperson JoAnn Beuerle, the projects include a new school to replace Algodones Elementary School; an upgraded gymnasium for Placitas Elementary School; upgrades to heating and air conditioning systems at Bernalillo Elementary and W.D. Carroll Elementary schools; and various technology and security projects underway at each BPS school.

A video about the Bernalillo bond measure can be found on YouTube.