Las Cruces Public Schools is set to move forward with plans to renovate Mayfield High School, a project designed to provide the best learning environments for students while preserving the legacy of the 61-year-old campus.
At a community update last week inside the Mayfield cafeteria, Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz reaffirmed his dedication to the project despite challenges in funding.
“You have my commitment that this project will move forward,” said Ruiz. “The work ahead will require a combination of state partnership, district investment and community support.”
The estimated cost of renovating Mayfield is $200 million, with the district responsible for approximately $114 million and the state contributing $86 million. This 57/43 split reflects recent legislative shifts and rising construction costs. By comparison, renovations at Las Cruces High School, then the oldest building in the district, were completed in 2016 for $96 million, and Centennial High School opened in 2012 for $109 million, with the state covering a greater percentage at that time. Unlike Las Cruces High and Mayfield, Centennial was a new build.
If the upcoming 2025 school bond election is successful, LCPS will be able to set aside $20 million to begin planning, design and early-phase construction. However, Ruiz emphasized that the Public Schools Facilities Authority (PSFA) funding will be critical to moving the full project forward.
Parents and staff in attendance at the meeting expressed concern over work that was already done to begin renovations. According to Ruiz, and affirmed by Mayfield Principal Eric Fraass, all work completed to date—including conceptual designs developed in Fall 2022—will be incorporated into the new master plan.
“We cannot hire a design firm until state funding is secured, because it could disqualify them from the bidding process,” noted Dr. Fred Montalvo, LCPS Executive Director of Operations. “But nothing that has been done is wasted. It all informs our next steps.”
Additional questions from parents include concerns about a soil study. LCPS administrators confirmed that such testing is part of the required design and engineering process and could begin soon.
While large-scale renovations are being phased in, LCPS continues to address pressing maintenance issues at Mayfield, including structural settlement, HVAC upgrades, accessibility improvements, and enhanced campus security. These repairs are necessary not only for safety but also to maintain the school’s PSFA ranking, which determines eligibility for state funding.
During the presentation, Ruiz went over a timeline of estimated or projected phases of
construction:
- · Fall 2025: Master Plan and Educational Specifications
- · Fall 2026: Design begins
- · Spring 2028: Phase I final documents complete
- · Fall 2028–Summer 2030: Phase I construction (estimated)
- · Spring 2031–Spring 2033: Phase II construction (estimated)
Local businessman Kiel Hoffman, who chairs the Blue Ribbon Committee in support of the school bond election, was also in attendance and spoke on the advocacy for improved educational spaces for future Trojans.
“All students deserve modern, safe and inspiring learning spaces,” Hoffman said. “We are committed to delivering a renovated Mayfield High School that reflects the strength of our community and the future of public education in Las Cruces.”
LCPS will have a $65 million general obligation bond question and mill levy renewal on
the ballot Nov. 4 with no tax rate increase. School bonds are a way for local governments to raise funds for educational infrastructure projects. These funds are specifically dedicated to projects that directly benefit our schools, students, and staff.
For more information on the district’s capital outlay and bond funding plan, please visit our 2025 school bond election page.