Alamogordo NM
2-26-2026 12:26pm

Alamogordo Public Schools Board Advances Surplus Land Sale

The Alamogordo Public School (APS) Board of Education approved moving forward with the sale of surplus district property, celebrated academic and program achievements, and addressed policy updates during its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the APS Administration Building.

A major agenda item was the potential sale of 24.63 acres of unused land at 1500 South Florida Avenue, which Superintendent Michael Crabtree recommended as no longer necessary for district operations. The property, originally acquired for potential future school development but deemed surplus due to shrinking enrollment patterns and facility needs, will be submitted for approval to the New Mexico State Board of Finance (SBF) as required under state law for transactions exceeding $25,000 in value. Crabtree was delegated authority to revise the sale agreement as needed to comply with SBF requirements. If approved and sold, proceeds from the sale are earmarked for the district’s capital outlay fund, supporting infrastructure improvements, facility maintenance. This aligns with New Mexico statutes allowing school districts to dispose of surplus real property and reinvest funds into operational and capital needs, ensuring fiscal responsibility amid budget constraints.

The February 18 meeting agenda, posted on the APS website, included this land disposition under action items, following a review of district assets. The board also approved the minutes from the prior regular meeting on January 21, 2026, which lasted 1 hour and 19 minutes and covered topics such as budget updates, policy reviews, and initial discussions on optimizing district resources—including preliminary mentions of surplus property evaluations. No specific action on the land sale was taken in January, but the minutes recap highlighted ongoing efforts to identify underutilized assets to stabilize finances of the district with shrinking enrollment and increasing expenses.

District CTE Coordinator Anna Alday presented on her program’s role in college and career readiness, noting APS’s 14 pathways in areas like welding, culinary arts, and building trades. Students earned 498 certifications in the 2024-2025 school year through Perkins Grant funding. Future plans include a pre-apprenticeship in building trades via the Southern New Mexico Independent Electrical Contractors Association, expanded middle school exploration labs, and increased teacher training.

The board nominated retired radio personality Bob Flotte for the New Mexico School Board Association’s Excellence in Student Achievement Award.

First readings of policies on facility naming, staff ethics (incorporating the “Framework for the Future”), and travel (clarifying insurance and driver expectations) were reviewed.

Schools recognized for third-quarter test score improvements included Holloman Elementary (AMIRA Reading), High Rolls Mountain Park Elementary (iStation Math), Mountain View Middle (LEXIA Reading), and Holloman Middle (ALEKS Math).

Additional honors went to spelling bee winner Riley Gonzalez, Career and CTE Expo booth winners (Alameda Park Zoo indoor, Alamogordo Fire Department outdoor), and teacher Kim Landry for National Board Certification renewal.

As Otero County’s third-largest employer with nearly 900 staff serving 5,480 students across 15 schools, with 60% minority enrollment and 30.5% economically disadvantaged students.

The next meeting is March 18, 2026, at 6 p.m., 1211 Hawaii Ave.

Relevant District Statistics

• Enrollment: 5,480 students (PK-12)

• Schools: 15 total (1 high school, 3 middle schools, 11 elementary schools)

• Staff: Nearly 900 employees

• Minority Enrollment: 60%

• Economically Disadvantaged Students: 30.5%

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