Voters could see joint city, APS ballots

District in talks with city to combine special elections

Albuquerque Public Schools is in talks about combining its upcoming special election with a City of Albuquerque special election slated for early next year.

It’s a move that would cut down on APS’ election costs, that were projected to be over $1 million — a price tag that is over $600,000 more than a typical election would cost the district.

The extra cost to school districts has been part of loud criticism of the new Local Election Act, with Santa Fe Public Schools approving a resolution asking the state to re-evaluate the law and rescind the parts of the bill that affect school district elections.

APS also passed a resolution that asks

the Legislature to provide reimbursement to help cover costs.

At a Finance Committee meeting on Monday, the APS Board of Education unanimously voted to approve combining its mill levy and bond election scheduled for early 2019 with a special city election scheduled for the same time, which would split the financial burden.

The City Council still has to determine which items will be on the ballot, but councilors are expected to address that matter and finalize the special election at a meeting in November.

“As we look to make elections more accessible for voters and save taxpayer dollars, the City and APS will work together (to) hold one consolidated special election in 2019. After City Council has determined which items will be on the ballot in 2018, we’ll be working to ensure information is readily available and the public is informed,” Katy Duhigg, Albuquerque City Clerk, wrote in a comment to the Journal.

APS Chief Operations Officer Scott Elder told the board the costs wouldn’t be divided 50-50. Rather, the district is estimated to pick up roughly 65 percent and the city would cover 35 percent as APS has more voters.

That split isn’t set in stone, Elder noted, and the school district is still in negotiations with the city.

In September, APS’ administration cost for the special election was estimated at $1,017,250. In comparison, the most recent APS bond and board election cost the district $380,000 to run, according to spokeswoman Monica Armenta.

Since APS is planning a February election for capital projects, the new law requires the district to hold a special election that must be conducted by mail, resulting in the bigger tab for the school district.

Elder said APS’ questions on the ballot would come before the city’s.

The Board of Education showed support for the idea.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said David Peercy, board president, adding collaborating with the city is important. “I greatly appreciate the city extending a hand.”

The board will vote formally on combining the election ballots at Wednesday night’s meeting.