Alamogordo NM
6-12-2026 5:37pm

Tularosa Municipal Schools Board Advances Middle School Project with $1.2M Bond Sale and Key Operational Approvals

Tularosa, NM – The Tularosa Municipal Schools Board of Education met recently to approve critical financial measures, review construction progress on the new middle school, and address ongoing operational needs, demonstrating steady advancement in district priorities for the 2026-2027 school year.

The meeting covered routine approvals alongside major decisions on bonding, facilities, and personnel, reflecting collaborative discussions among trustees, financial advisors, construction teams, and administration to support student success and fiscal responsibility.

Bond Sale Moves Forward to Fund Middle School Match

A key highlight was the presentation by Nick Bonina of Steeple Public Finance regarding the sale of the remaining $1.2 million in bond authorization from the district’s 2023 general obligation bond election. These funds will serve as the local match for Public Schools Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) support for the new Tularosa Middle School project.

The district currently has approximately $7 million in total bonding capacity (6% of assessed property valuation), with $5 million in outstanding debt, leaving about $2.6 million available. After this sale, no further authorization from the 2023 election will remain.

Financial Snapshot:

• Proposed bond sale: $1.2 million

• Current residential tax rate: $10.90 per $1,000 valuation

• Anticipated interest rate: ~3.5% (with potential for subsidized rates via NMFA)

• Property values rising steadily, supporting capacity without immediate tax rate increases

The board approved resolutions authorizing the bond sale process through the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA), which offers lower costs and access to disadvantaged funding (potentially 0-2% interest). The NMFA will consider the application in late July, with bond closing targeted for early September 2026.

District officials noted that bonding capacity could grow to support a potential new bond election in November 2027, possibly up to $5 million, without raising taxes, thanks to debt repayment and appreciating property values. The district must maintain a tax rate above $10.00 per PSCOC agreement for about three more years.

New Middle School Construction Progressing on Schedule

Decker and Robert Stanford from the design team, along with Cody Clifton of BlackBerry Stamp Construction, provided an encouraging update on the new middle school, which will serve approximately 240 students in grades 6-8.

Project Highlights:

• New academic building, cafeteria, and Career & Technical Education (CTE) building

• Site improvements, safety-focused drop-off zones, outdoor learning courtyards, and flexible learning spaces

• Design incorporates Tularosa’s history, culture, and heritage through architectural motifs and graphics

• Cohesive campus integration between middle and high schools

Construction Status (as of the meeting):

• Building pad and foundations underway/completed in key areas

• Over-excavation and dirt work ongoing

• Storm drainage and pond installed

• Field and parking lot targeted for completion by summer 2026

• Full new middle school opening: Fall 2027

A recent water line issue was quickly resolved through collaboration with village authorities. Weekly meetings ensure smooth progress while maintaining campus operations.

Operations, Maintenance, and Personnel

The board approved the 2026-2027 operational budget, blanket budget adjustments, and the annual fixed asset inventory report. Maintenance updates included preparations for a new HVAC contract (replacing the expiring Johnson Controls agreement) amid ongoing repairs for pipe bursts and related issues.

In nutrition news, trustees discussed increasing the $12.50 meal reimbursement for student travel due to rising costs, with potential higher allowances for out-of-state trips under future consideration.

Superintendent Montoya provided a summer update on hiring and preparations, and the board approved a new three-year contract starting 2026-2027 with an initial salary of $160,000 and 3% annual increases.

Community Impact

These actions position Tularosa Municipal Schools for continued growth and stability. Residents are encouraged to attend future meetings and consider job site tours as the middle school project advances.

Alamogordo Town News will continue monitoring Tularosa Municipal Schools developments, as strong neighboring districts benefit the entire region. For full meeting details, visit the district website or attend the next board session.

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