Las Cruces school board OKs measure setting $50M bond election

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Las Cruces Public Schools officials have OK'd a measure calling for a $50 million bond election in February 2018.

The board approved a resolution calling for the Feb. 6, 2018 election and gave a final thumbs-up to the list of $50 million in capital outlay projects that will be funded if voters approve the measure, according to the district. Paul Cassidy of RBC, the district's bonds attorney, said the tax rate would remain level for taxpayers if the measure passes.

The $50 million is earmarked for new classrooms; multipurpose rooms and kitchens; safety doors, fencing and gates; improved athletic facilities; major renovations and repairs; furniture; funds for the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance; phase I of an updated physical plant, nutrition services and operations facility; roofs and heating & cooling improvements; playground structures; and more.

las-cruces-hs-credit-jojojerk69-wiki

Anyone who is a registered voter within the school district will be eligible to vote next February.

LCPS Community Outreach Liaison Brigitte Zigelhofer announced that Ben Woods has agreed to chair the citizen-based "blue ribbon committee," according to an LCPS news release. Composed of community members, parents and voters, the committee is designed help raise community awareness about the district’s needs and assist with private donations to support the 2018 general obligation bond campaign.

No LCPS funds will be used in the committee’s awareness campaign, according to the district.

"Ben has always been integral to our school bond elections, and we’re pleased to have his support as chairman," Zigelhofer said.

Woods is currently an administrator at MountainView Regional Medical Center, a member of the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce board of directors, a member of the U.S. Bank board of directors and just recently completed a four-year term as an LCPS Foundation board member. Prior to his retirement, Woods was formerly the New Mexico State University president’s chief of staff.

Tribune Content Agency
School bonds Bond elections New Mexico
MORE FROM BOND BUYER