Voters approve new school board candidates, bond measures

BERNALILLO — Bond measures for Rio Rancho and Bernalillo public schools with a combined total of over $100 million in facility improvement projects were victorious Tuesday, according to unofficial Sandoval County election results.

Several school board seats in the county were also up for grabs.

Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sue Cleveland thanked the community for overwhelmingly supporting the district's bond, which passed with approximately 76% of the vote, according to an RRPS news release, citing unofficial results.

“On behalf of our entire district, I want to thank our supportive community for reaffirming its belief in our students and in the value of excellent facilities for learning,” Cleveland said. “With the support of this bond, RRPS will be able to continue providing safe, modern, and inspiring learning environments. We’re investing not just in buildings, but in the success of our students and the strength of our community.”

Meanwhile, voters overwhelmingly approved the $30 million Bernalillo Public Schools general obligation bond, which will bring improvements to existing facilities and new ones as well. The school district thanked the community for their vote in a social media post.

"Your support helps enhance safety, update classrooms, improve technology, and upgrade school grounds — all for our students’ success," the post stated.

Among the contested school board races, Rebecca Murray came out on top for Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education District 5.

“I want to thank our Rio Rancho Public Schools District 5 community for getting out and voting for me. I am honored and humbled by the outpouring support," Murray said in a prepared statement. "I am excited and energized to be your next district 5 school board member. Thank you to my husband, children, volunteers, friends and family for having my back during the last few months of campaigning.”

Emergency room physician and Bernalillo Public Schools parent John Gurule won the race for BPS Board of Education District 2.

"I am humbled and honored to have been selected by my communities to represent their students and families for an additional four years," Gurule said. "I look forward to four more years of continued academic growth for our students on campuses that are safe and happy places. I’m eager to continue to work to represent our tribal leadership and their perspectives as well as our non native communities!"

See rrobserver.com for a separate story on Sandoval County races.

Education boards

Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education

District 1 (24/24 precincts fully reporting)

Rudy Galindo vs. Seth Muller:0% results

District 3 (22/22 precincts fully reporting)

Michael Berry: 2,078 (100%)

District 5 (21/21 precincts fully reporting)

Rebecca Murray: 1,200 (48%)

Donna Iven Tillman: 653 (26%)

Quinton Middleton: 630 (25%)

Bernalillo Public Schools Board of Education

District 2 (3/3 precincts fully reporting)

John Gurule: 146 (48%)

Olivia Calabaza: 91 (30%)

Sheldon Crespin: 68 (22%)

District 3 (9/9 precincts fully reporting)

Michael Archibeque: 1,175 (100%)

Cuba Independent Public Schools Board of Education

District 2 (3/3 precincts fully reporting)

Taylor Pinto: 69 (100%)

District 3 (3/3 precincts fully reporting)

Elizabeth Martin: 127 (100%)

Jemez Valley Public Schools Board of Education

District 3 (2/2 precincts fully reporting)

Penelope Vigil: 200 (100%)

District 4 (1/1 precincts fully reporting)

Glenda Medina: 59 (100%)

Albuquerque Municipal School District Board of Education (also serving Corrales)

District 3 (108/108 precincts fullyreporting)

Rebecca Betzen: 1,271 (42%)

Danielle Gonzales: 1,398 (46%)

Isaac Flores: 340 (11%)

District 5 (75/75 precincts fully reporting)

Brian Laurent Sr.: 6 (38%)

Joshua Martinez: 10 (62%)

Central New Mexico Community College board

District 3 (24/24 precincts fully reporting)

Thomas Swisstack: 9,716 (100%)

School bonds

Rio Rancho Public Schools general obligation bond

104/104 precincts fully reporting)

Yes:76% (8,749 votes)

No: 26% (2,738 votes)

$80 million for new pre-kindergarten facility ($17 million); completion of 2023 bond items ($20 million); STEAM Magnet School — Phase 1 ($18 million); facilities upgrades ($10 million); land acquisition and day care center ($7 million); athletic and band field repairs ($8 million).

Bernalillo Public Schools general obligation bond

29/29 precincts partially reporting

Yes: 80% (2,327 votes)

No: 20% (583 votes)

$30 million 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.

Cuba Independent School District general obligation bond

10/10 precincts fully reporting

Yes: 457 (83%)

No: 95 (17%)

Jemez Valley Public School District general obligation bond

10/10 precincts fullyreporting

Yes: 597 (85%)

No: 108 (15%)

Albuquerque Municipal School District general obligation bond (also serving Corrales)

700/700 precincts fully reporting

Yes: 2,474 (71%)

No: 1,026 (29%)