‘Yes’ on school questions will fund security, technology
“Seek the welfare of the city … for in its welfare you will find your own.”
— Jeremiah 29:7 We are parish pastors in congregations that have two vital elementary schools as our neighbors — La Mesa and Monte Vista. We know that the welfare of the community around our churches significantly depends upon the health and vitality of our local schools. Both of our congregations are hosting “Get Out the Vote” walks for the upcoming Albuquerque Public School mill levy and bond vote in the upcoming Nov. 5 election. Unlike the bond package that failed to pass last year, this one will not require a tax increase.
We are also leaders with Albuquerque
Interfaith, a broad-based community organizing effort, which comprises 14 institutions — schools, churches and nonprofits. AI is committed to public education because it is so vital to the well-being of our children, families, neighborhoods and democracy. AI has sponsored walks to encourage people to vote in every bond and mill levy election since 2002.
If the bond passes, Monte Vista Elementary will get $5.74 million for a much-needed kindergarten wing. The administrators, teachers, parents and kindergarten kids are excited about this significant addition to their campus. The walk at Monte Vista Christian Church is Oct. 26.
AI will also be hosting a walk in the South Valley on Nov. 2 because Rio Grande High School stands to get $5.38 million to build a gender-equitable sports complex on campus.
APS uses one of the most efficient and equitable “worst goes first” capital investment systems in the country. Local politics are not a part of the ranking system; real facility needs drive the decisions as to when schools are upgraded.
If voters say “yes” in this election, every school in APS will receive resources to increase security on their campus. APS needs to upgrade safety measures districtwide in response to incidences of gun violence on school grounds across the country. These funds will provide for security vestibule entrances at every school, upgraded camera security with a districtwide central monitoring center, and build protective perimeter fencing around each campus.
Also, every school will receive monies to invest in music and arts programs, and to upgrade technology for students and teachers, necessary to stay competitive in a fast-evolving, hightech world.
APS will also be investing in building much-needed school bus terminals as, in recent years, the private school bus providers have fallen away and the district is now running the bus fleet that daily transports kids. This investment will save money and time.
Whenever a bond election fails, resources needed to upgrade our many aging facilities are delayed and the monies necessary for maintaining the buildings are unavailable. For example, La Mesa Elementary School lost $80,000 for maintenance this year because the February school ballot questions failed.
Voters might find it helpful to know that the bond package is strictly capital money, not the operational dollars that pay salaries and school program costs. Those operational funds are allocated on a per-child basis from the state’s education budget.
The capital monies generated by the bond and levy package will be well invested in our children’s safety, their competitiveness in a high-tech world and guaranteeing quality learning environments for all.
We believe a great way to “seek the welfare of the city,” in the wisdom of the great prophet Jeremiah, is to make sure that all students have great schools in which to learn. Vote “Yes” for our children!