On November 4, voters in Albuquerque approved a $350 million General Obligation (GO) bond to support improvements across the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) district. The measure passed with the backing of 75% of voters within APS boundaries.
The funding will allow APS to undertake several construction projects, including converting 20 schools from evaporative coolers to refrigerated air and making upgrades at 13 schools. Additional projects include building a new career technical educational student training facility, constructing a classroom block at Taylor Middle School, and developing a special needs education facility on the West Side.
Security remains a key focus for APS. The bond package will help continue investment in school security enhancements such as main entry security vestibules equipped with audio and video connections to front desks, remote buzz-in/out systems for visitors, security-card access to major exterior doors, audio enhancement tools for emergency dispatchers, commercial-grade locks on classroom doors, security cameras, and intrusion and fire alarms. These features are monitored around the clock by a dedicated command center that can stream live emergency footage to law enforcement agencies.
Emergency and crisis evacuation maps will also be installed at multiple locations throughout all facilities.
In recent years, APS has spent over $60 million on safety measures such as cameras, alarms, door locks, and fencing—a figure set to increase following this bond approval.
According to the release: "Approval of the bond does NOT increase taxes. The Chamber has shown its support for the GO bond, as it will help APS move forward with securing the environment for learning."
