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Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Vote Today on APS Tax, Bond Package
By Hailey Heinz
Journal Staff Writer
Polls open at 7 a.m. today for voters to cast their ballots in a $616 million property tax and bond package for Albuquerque Public Schools.
Voters will be asked two questions, one that would keep property taxes at their current level and another that would authorize the school district to sell $225 million in general obligation bonds.
If the questions pass, the money will be used for school improvements, updated computers and a $38.3 million West Side sports complex.
While the last bond cycle focused on new construction to keep up with West Side growth, this money will be focused on revamping some of the city's older schools like Sandia and Del Norte high schools, said Kizito Wijenje, the district's capital master plan director.
School board president Martin Esquivel acknowledged this is a difficult time to ask voters for money, given the weak economy and the state budget shortfall.
But he emphasized that APS is not asking for a tax increase, and said approving the package would stimulate the economy.
Also, the election comes amid an effort by about a dozen West Side residents to create their own school district.
The residents, including several state legislators, petitioned Secretary of Education Veronica Garcia to create a new district. APS Superintendent Winston Brooks has said the district will not break ground on a West Side stadium until the question is resolved.
According to APS, 63 percent of current construction in Bernalillo County is related to APS.
A coalition made up largely of architects and construction firms have joined forces to campaign for the passage of both questions.
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