Voters in the Albuquerque (N.M.) school district have approved bond and levy proposals that will provide $575 million to upgrade aging facilities.
Two ballot questions—a $375 million levy and a $200 million bond—received the support of more than 65 percent of those voting. The money will enable the 90,000-student system to build new schools, renovate or expand numerous campuses, carry out planning for more renovations and upgrade technology.
"There will be funds for much needed repairs and improvements in many of our schools—some of which were built in the 1950s," said Albuquerque Schools Superintendent Raquel Reedy. "We can keep up with the ever-changing technology upgrades necessary to adapt to the digital world we now live in. We can add more security cameras to some schools, assist charter schools with pressing facility needs and know that our kids, teachers and staff will have safe, healthy schools to learn and grow in."
The largest project included in the proposal is a $50 million K-8 school that would ease crowding on the district's West Side.
The bond and levy plan also earmarks $75 million for charter school facility improvements. Another $100 million is allocated to upgrading the district's technology infrastructure and acquiring more modern equipment.