APS Authorizes $5,185,000 in Go Bonds and Chaparral Middle School Update

In the most recent Alamogordo Public School Board meeting it voted to authorize the sale of $5,185,000 in general obligation school bonds. This action is not expected to go to a new public vote because they proceed from a prior voter-approved bond agreement and issuance from the previous board of education which was formally under the leadership of Chairwoman Judy Rabon laying a foundation for educational solvency beyond her term in office. Under Mrs. Rabon’s leadership prior to this recent decision a special election was held on May 9, 2023, when the voters in Alamogordo approved the General Obligation Bond by a margin of 90 votes. This election allowed the school district to borrow funds by issuing bonds to finance capital improvements.

The present school board authorized the expenditure on the foundation laid by the previous school boards actions.  The approval of the bonds means the school district won’t increase taxes but rather maintain the current level of tax rates at $9.80. This fact was stated during a public presentation by a representative from RBC Capital Markets at the most recent meeting. APS President Angela Cadwallader stated that she liked that they would be keeping the existing tax rate.

General obligation (GO) bonds are a type of debt instrument used by school districts to raise funds for capital improvements and infrastructure projects. These bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the school district and are typically repaid through property tax levies.

The past bonds approval is funding major construction projects such as new schools and the replacement of Chaparral Middle School which is still in the design phase.The 2023 bond election allows for approximately $15 million to be invested over four years in these areas.

Specific to Chaparral Middle School the Chaparral Middle School replacement project has grown in expense to a $66.5 million initiative underway on the existing school site, designed to provide a modern educational facility for 600 students with significant involvement from local taxpayers to cover costs.

The new Chaparral Middle School will be built on the current middle school property, specifically on the current sports field, with the athletic facilities relocated to where the existing school stands now. This phased construction approach is planned to ensure school operation continuity and student safety during the transition. Once completed, the old facilities will be demolished and the site fully redeveloped with improved circulation, safer campus entries, and enhanced outdoor learning areas.The school campus will be approximately 87,000 square feet, designed to foster modern educational approaches such as project-based learning, collaborative environments, and technology integration. It features dedicated grade-level communities, specialized classrooms for STEM, arts, culinary skills, band, choir, and flexible multi-use rooms. Emphasis has been placed on creating an adaptable, environmentally responsive design reflecting community identity and priorities with outdoor spaces for hands-on learning and habitat restoration.

Originally, plans were to build the school on a different site (Fairgrounds Road), but due to floodplain complications and potential construction delays, the district decided to relocate the project back to the current school site. This decision was motivated by the need to expedite the project and avoid delays tied to federal and state agency approvals related to flood mitigation efforts, despite similar soil and mitigation needs at either site.

Financial Aspects and Taxpayer Impact

As of January 2024, the total estimated cost for the Chaparral Middle School replacement is about $66.5 million. Alamogordo Public Schools (APS) is responsible for roughly $44.8 million of this amount based on a 60/40 cost split with the Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA). This reflects a substantial increase from earlier estimates near $31 million, largely influenced by inflation, material costs, and supply chain issues accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional $10 million in funding was recently awarded to support the project

The cost per square foot is estimated between $600 and $800, which is above the national average for public building construction, in part because New Mexico tends to have higher construction costs. Costs beyond the typical “adequacy” standards, such as enhanced landscaping, advanced plantings, gravel mulch, and extra outdoor furniture or facilities, are covered by APS.

Financing remains a challenging consideration for the district and the community. APS is exploring multiple funding sources, and upcoming open meetings will address the options and allow taxpayers to engage in decision-making. Questions remain around whether the community can shoulder this financial responsibility, especially after recently passing bond measures for infrastructure improvements in other schools. The project is fully funded at this point, but it represents a significant local investment.

Community Concerns and Design Changes

The project’s bathroom design at one point raised concerns with certain elements of the school board creating political hysteria leading to attacks against LBGTQ students as unnecessary targets for radicalized political points. 

Summary

The Chaparral Middle School replacement is a major investment to provide Alamogordo students with a safe, modern, and flexible learning environment. The project has faced delays from the pandemic, material cost increases, site relocation due to floodplain concerns, and rising construction expenses, requiring a significant financial commitment from Alamogordo taxpayers. The district claims it is committed to transparency,

.To stay informed, residents should watch for APS school board meeting announcements where financing and construction updates will be discussed further.

For more detailed information, including current designs and financial plans, Alamogordo Public Schools has made presentations available on their YouTube channel and through official district communications.

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