School bonds are a way for local governments to raise funds for educational infrastructure projects. When voters approve a bond measure, they are essentially authorizing the district to issue bonds, which are repaid over time through property taxes. These funds are specifically dedicated to projects that directly benefit our schools, students, and staff.
What Are School Bonds?
How Bond Funds Are Used
Voter-approved bond funds are a key resource for ensuring our schools remain up-to-date and can accommodate the growing needs of our community. These funds are used for a wide range of construction and renovation projects, including:
New School Buildings: As our community grows, new schools are needed to provide more opportunities for students. Bond money helps fund the construction of new buildings to support student enrollment.
Facility Upgrades: Whether it's modernizing classrooms, upgrading restrooms, or improving athletic facilities, bond funds ensure that our schools have the resources needed to create optimal learning environments.
Safety and Security Enhancements: Protecting our students and staff is a top priority. Bond funds are allocated to improving security systems, adding fencing, and making other safety upgrades to ensure a secure school environment.
Technology Improvements: To keep pace with the evolving educational landscape, bond money is also invested in expanding and upgrading technology infrastructure, including classroom devices, networks, and audiovisual systems.
Energy-Efficient Solutions: Bond funds are used to incorporate energy-efficient designs and systems into new and renovated buildings, ensuring that our schools are environmentally responsible and cost-effective.
General Obligation Bond (GO Bonds)
GO Bonds are debt financing issued every 3-4 years. LCPS borrows money that is paid back by local property tax collections.
Funds are directed primarily for larger capital projects such as new schools, major additions, educational program needs, and district-based technology.
HB 33 (House Bill 33)
Six-year mill levy (funds collected throughout the year with most of the collections in December and January)
Traditionally, LCPS uses HB 33 revenues to:
Renew existing facilities (school-based and district-wide funds)
Address specific health-safety and code compliance issues
Provide for educational equipment and support
Provide for smaller capital needs at each facility through the distribution of School Improvement Project (SIP) funds.
HB 33 is also a contributory source of funds for additional classrooms and contingencies in concert with ongoing general obligation bond cycles.
SB9 (Senate Bill 9)
Six-year mill levy (funds collected throughout the year with most of the collections in December and January)
Used to address the maintenance and renewal concerns in the district. SB9 is traditionally allocated in a number of 'funds' that are budgeted and expended on a yearly basis.
SB9 funds also provide supplementary school funding for capital and technology needs at district schools.
Other Sources of Capital Funds
There are other potential sources of capital funds. However, these sources are not guaranteed. Should they become available, they provide additional capacity to address unfunded priorities.
Direct Legislative Appropriations
These are grants used for specific projects by state legislators. For example, LCPS has received money from state legislators to help fund the Family Resource Center.
Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) Standards-based Grants
The State of New Mexico has adopted adequacy standards that all state schools must meet. All school districts can apply for state matching funds if they have a five-year master plan on file and an approved maintenance plan. There are guidelines for master plans and maintenance plans. The degree of match varies from district to district, per a formula calculated by PSCOC. In 2022 this formula was recommended by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) to be reassessed so that the grant matches are more accessible to public schools across the state. The State has developed priorities for funding based on a state-wide assessment of all schools. The Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) serves as staff to the PSCOC.
How Voter-Approved Bond Monies Fund Construction Projects for Las Cruces Public Schools
At Las Cruces Public Schools, we believe that every student deserves a safe, modern, and well-equipped learning environment. Thanks to the support of our community, voter-approved bond funds play a crucial role in supporting the ongoing improvement of our schools.
A Shared Commitment
At LCPS, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and the effective use of taxpayer dollars. Every dollar raised through bond funds is carefully managed to ensure that the needs of our schools and students are met in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools. Your involvement helps create the foundation for a brighter future for the students of Las Cruces.
To learn more about current and upcoming bond-funded projects, visit our Construction and Facilities Projects page.