In the wake of a successful $50 million bond election, an oversight committee is being formed in Las Cruces to prioritize upcoming school facility construction and renovation projects.
Passed with a sweeping 89 percent of the vote, the bond was promoted by Las Cruces Public Schools officials as a way for the district to keep up with facility needs in response to a growing enrollment.
That enrollment has seen the number of students in the district increase from around 16,000 in the early 1990s to nearly 25,000 today, reflecting a larger Las Cruces population jump of 101,000 from around 57,000 in 1990.
The largest items to be funded by the bond include the $7 million building of a new classroom wing and multi-purpose room at Fairacres Elementary School; and $6 million for the remodeling of classroom space and the building of a new multi-purpose room at Hillrise Elementary.
Up to $2.2 million is targeted for the remodeling of offices and the construction of a new front security entrance at MacArthur Elementary School; while $2 million will go for the construction of one multi-purpose room and the remodeling of another at Desert Hills Elementary School.
The Lynn Middle School is expected to see $2 million in new heating and cooling system installation, with Americans with Disabilities compliance work taking place where needed across the district.
LCPS officials say the various work projects will be phased in over the next 4 years.
An LCPS statement after the election paid tribute to voter support, which, it said, ensures that “students, teachers, and staff have safe and modern facilities, so their primary focus can remain on teaching and learning.”
By Garry Boulard
