Past Capital Improvements (Bond / SB9)

Promises Kept!

Since the district was founded in 1994, through eight bond elections voters have entrusted Rio Rancho Public Schools with $358 million in property tax revenue for school construction and renovation, as well as up to $4.5 million annually for school maintenance and technology generated by the two-mill capital improvements levy. With that trust comes an obligation on the part of the school district to complete the projects it promised the voters who approved the issuance of the bonds.

RRPS takes this obligation seriously.

In the past 25 years, RRPS has built or purchased buildings for 18 school campuses (including all four high schools) to meet the needs of a rapidly-growing community. The district has completed hundreds of projects at its schools, including classroom and support facility additions, roofing, heating and cooling improvements, technology infrastructure, facilities for athletics and fine arts, and more.

Click on the menu to view lists of completed projects from previous bond issues and the status of projects promised in the most recent bond elections. Keep in mind that when bond elections are approved, the money becomes available over a period of years, rather than immediately after the passage of the bond issue. Therefore, some projects from the most recent bond issues are still in progress.

Thank you to the citizens of Rio Rancho for your trust and support.

2019 Bond Election

Thank You Rio Rancho! Voters Say "Yes!" to Bond Issue

Thanks to support from Rio Rancho voters, RRPS will be able to move forward with new classrooms for career-technical education, replacement of outdated heating and air conditioning systems, and more!
Official results indicate about 72% of those going to the polls said "yes" to the district's $60 million bond proposal. Passage permits the school district to issue new bonds as old ones are retired, maintaining the current tax rate (no tax increase!).

2019 Bond Election Results - Press Release

The official results as canvassed by Sandoval County and certified by the State Canvassing Board are:
For: 6,052 71.99%
Against: 2,355 28.01%
Total votes cast: 8,407

The turnout is by far the largest ever recorded for a Rio Rancho Public Schools election. Thank you to everyone who took the time to go to the polls and for your support of teaching and learning in Rio Rancho.

PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE $60 MILLION BOND PROPOSAL:

HVAC: $43.5 MILLION

Our HVAC systems are past their useful lifespan and simply need replacement. They can no longer be repaired in a cost-effective manner. Swamp coolers versus refrigerated air conditioning units. Simply put, when classrooms are too hot or too cold, students cannot learn effectively.

ATHLETIC FIELD REPLACEMENT: $1.5 MILLION

The artificial turf fields at the Cleveland High and Rio Rancho High stadiums are reaching the end of their useful life and need replacement. Worn-out turf could present a safety hazard to student athletes participating in football, soccer, and track and field. The potential for injury is also a liability issue. This project also would give the district the opportunity to evaluate whether artificial turf or natural grass fields would best serve students’ needs in terms of safety and long-term maintenance costs.

IT INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPACITY: $3 MILLION

Effective teaching and learning is increasingly dependent on schools having access to adequate, reliable secure technology resources. The bond proposal includes $3 million to update and maintain the current infrastructure and increase capacity to meet students’ and teachers’ growing use of technology. System upgrades will help the district meet ever-increasing security requirements to support the “Future Ready” initiative. The district will leverage this $3 million to bring in an additional $5 million in revenue through E-Rate, a federally-funded program that provides matching educational technology funds to school districts.

CAREER-TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) AND HIGH SCHOOL EXPANSION: $12 MILLION

Rio Rancho High and Cleveland High are currently both over capacity and in 2018-19 were the two largest high schools in New Mexico. Both schools need additional classrooms. Specialized classroom space is needed to support the district’s growing Career Technical programs and provide opportunities at both comprehensive high schools to meet current and future needs.

You can learn more about RRPS’s current Career-Technical and dual credit programs here! Passage of the bond issue would help RRPS expand these programs and open additional career pathways.

1994 Bond Issue

Total:	$27,100,000
New elementary: Colinas del Norte	Complete
9th/10th grade core for a new high school: RRHS Funds diverted to build two middle schools after agreement reached with Intel to build a full-size high school: RRHS). New middle schools: Eagle Ridge & Mountain View.	Complete

Total:

$27,100,000

New elementary: Colinas del Norte

Complete

9th/10th grade core for a new high school: RRHS

Funds diverted to build two middle schools after agreement reached with Intel to build a full-size high school: RRHS).

New middle schools: Eagle Ridge & Mountain View.

Complete

1997 Bond Issue

Total:	$22,200,000
RRHS athletics complex	Complete
RRHS furnishings / equipment	Complete
Ten Classroom additions - Colinas del Norte	Complete
Puesta del Sol Elementary School	Complete
Multi-purpse facility - Stapleton Elementary, now Shining Stars Preschool.	Complete
Sewer hookups: Martin Luther King, Jr. & Enchanted Hills Elementary	Complete

2000 Bond Issue

Total:	$32,500,000
Vista Grande Elementary School ($6.3 million)	Complete
Rio Rancho Mid-High School (now Rio Rancho Middle) ($23 million)	Complete
Rio Rancho Elementary redesign ($275,000)	Complete
RRHS baseball complex completion ($380,000)	Complete
Fields/parking/storage/playground equip. Colinas del Norte ES ($230,000)	Complete
Eagle Ridge MS track ($40,000)	Complete
Playground equip/site improvements Enchanted Hills ES ($160,000)	Complete
Computer lab/playground improvements Stapleton ES ($225,000)	Complete
Track and student drop off improvements, Lincoln ($70,000)	Complete
Parking/bus dropoff/playground equip, MLK Elementary ($480,000)	Complete
Baseball field/track Mountain View MS ($110,000)	Complete
Playground equip - Puesta del Sol ($100,000)	Complete
Playground equip - Rio Rancho ES ($100,000)	Complete
Band/JROTC field, stadium lighting, student dropoff improvements, RRHS ($606,000)	Complete
Erosion control district wide ($220,000)	Complete
Land acquisition ($204,000)	Complete

2003 Bond Issue

Total:	$23,000,000
New Stapleton Elementary campus	Complete
Maggie Cordova Elementary campus	Complete
Fine Arts Academy upgrades at Rio Rancho High School: (Design funding - $440,000)	Complete
Six additional classrooms at Rio Rancho Mid-High School ($750,000)	Funding applied to Cleveland HS with decision to build a high school rather than expand RRMH
Cafeteria and kitchen at Enchanted Hills Elementary (plans were changed to build a gym instead, moving that function out of the cafeteria)	Complete
Sixteen additional classrooms at Enchanted Hills Elementary ($2,950,000)	Complete
Cafeteria expansion and renovations at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary ($1,250,000)	Complete
Canopy to connect classroom wings at Puesta del Sol Elementary ($50,000) - amended to provide canopy for outdoor classroom/stage	Complete
Heating and air conditioning system replacement in the older wing of Rio Rancho Elementary ($50,000)	Complete
Playground equipment and landscaping at Vista Grande Elementary ($200,000)	Complete
Replacement of portions of the roof at Enchanted Hills Elementary ($80,000)	Complete
Library expansion at Colinas del Norte Elementary ($385,000)	Complete
Repairs to existing track facility at Rio Rancho High School and new track at Rio Rancho Mid-High School ($175,000 at RRHS, $170,000 at the Mid-High)	RRHS work complete, Mid-High funding redirected with decision to build Cleveland HS
Paint for portions of the exterior of Eagle Ridge Middle School and Mountain View Middle School to protect metal paneling ($50,000 at each campus)	Complete
Replacement of original floor tile at Lincoln Middle School ($40,000)	Complete
Voicemail/telephone systems to increase student safety and enhance communication at Colinas del Norte Elementary, Enchanted Hills Elementary, Rio Rancho Elementary, and the district office ($130,000)	Complete
Land acquisition/miscellaneous projects ($390,000)	Complete

2006 Bond Issue

Total:	$39,000,000
Cleveland High School (Phase I): $25.8 million to secure matching funds from state	Complete
Furniture and technology/Cleveland High: $9.3 million	Complete
Sandia Vista Elementary: $3.3 million in matching funds; $600,000 towards land acquisition and furnishings (total: 3.9 million)	Complete

2007 Bond Issue

Note: Some funds from the 2007 bond designated for school construction were re-purposed (reallocated) by the school board when matching funds to complete new schools were not forthcoming from the state and operational budgets were cut during the recession. See the 2007 Bond Reallocation Projects list for details on these projects.

Total:	$105,000,000 (approximately $18.4 million reallocated)
Cleveland High School: Phase II: additional matching funds, athletics, facilities, auxiliary gym, concert hall, technology and furnishings ($32,997,587)	Complete
Sandia Vista Elementary: additional matching funds, technology, and furnishings (1,602,055)	Complete
Cielo Azul Elementary: matching funds, furnishings, and technology ($7,059,261)	Complete
Joe Harris Elementary: matching funds, furnishings, and technology ($9,741,218)	Design completed/construction deferred due to lack of state matching funds, reduction in assessed valuation/tax collections, and unavailability of operational funds for opening
New Middle School ($14,150,000)	Educational specifications partially completed/design on hold and construction deferred due to lack of state matching funds, reduction in assessed valuation/tax collections, and unavailability of operational funds for opening
Data/Cabling Infrastructure Upgrades ($140,000)	Complete
Audio Visual/Cable Infrastructure Upgrades ($270,000)	Complete
Master Planning ($210,000)	Complete
Real Estate Acquisition/contingency ($16,072,879)	Ongoing/some contingency funds reallocated to Phase II facilities at Cleveland High
Warehouse ($2,500,000)	Complete
Bond Sale Administrative Costs ($400,000)	Complete
RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL: Fine Arts Academy - Black Box Construction ($1,500,000), Culinary Arts Improvements ($200,000), Football Stadium Expansion (amended to turf replacement) ($1,000,000), Bleacher Improvements ($1,000,000), Wrestling Room Expansion ($400,000), Soccer Field/ Athletics Training Center ($2,000,000)	Complete
RIO RANCHO MID-HIGH SCHOOL (Now Rio Rancho Middle School): [Program Enhancements - Deferred when district could not move forward with New Tech High concept (state funding crunch)], Canopy on Plaza ($75,000), [Track/All Weather - Deferred due to decision to build Cleveland HS], Parking Drainage Improvements ($300,000)	Complete
EAGLE RIDGE MID-SCHOOL: Landscape ($100,000),Telecom Upgrade ($40,000), Roofing ($300,000), Exterior Bldg. Improvements ($400,000), Track ($200,000)	Complete
MOUNTAIN VIEW MID-SCHOOL: Replace carpeting ($100,000), Telecom Upgrade ($40,000), Roofing ($300,000), Exterior Building improvements ($200,000), Retaining Walls ($200,000)	Complete
LINCOLN MID-SCHOOL: Replace the Bleachers ($250,000), Interior Upgrades ($150,000), Telecom Upgrade ($40,000), Exterior Lighting/Improvements ($100,000), New Roof ($250,000), Replace floor tiles ($200,000), Upgrade HVAC system ($100,000)	Complete
COLINAS DEL NORTE E.S.: Playground Upgrade ($100,000), Kitchen/Cafeteria Expansion ($1,000,000), Exterior Improvements ($100,000), Site Fencing ($75,000)	Complete
ERNEST STAPLETON E.S.: Landscaping/Field (outdoor classroom) ($200,000)	Complete
ENCHANTED HILLS E.S.: Site Improvements (BELOW K-Garten) ($200,000), Complete HVAC Controls Upgrade ($100,000), Parking Drainage Improvements ($200,000)	Complete
MAGGIE CORDOVA E.S.: Site landscaping ($100,000), Field Installation ($200,000)	Complete
MARTIN LUTHER KING E.S.: Phase 4 Administration Renovation ($1,400,000), [New HVAC ($300,000) - Ongoing ], Improve Playground ($50,000)	Complete
PUESTA E.S.: Extend Parking Lot ($200,000), [Telecom Upgrade ($40,000)- Ongoing], Drop Off Improvements ($100,000)	Complete
RIO RANCHO E.S.: Exterior Improvements ($100,000), Interior Improvements ($100,000), Walking Track Upgrade ($100,000)	Complete
VISTA GRANDE E.S.: Playground Equipment/Landscaping ($100,000), Classroom/core addition matching funds ($3,465,000) - Core addition received state matching funds and is completed. Classroom addition was not funded and deferred to the 2012 bond.]	Complete
SHINING STARS PRE-K: New Windows ($100,000), New Fire Alarm Upgrade ($100,000), Canopy Painting ($75,000), Administrative and campus access renovation	Complete

2007 Bond Reallocation

Total:	$18,321,000
RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL: Culinary Arts classroom, Roofing, Athletic Center, Exterior Improvements, Window Improvements, IT Infrastructure Upgrades (phone and cabling), Electronic Access (FOB) - Partial Campus Installation	Complete
V. SUE CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL: Student Parking Lot Expansion, IT Infrastructure Upgrades	Complete
INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL: Landscaping ($100,000)	Complete
RIO RANCHO CYBER ACADEMY: IT Infrastructure Upgrades (wireless, cabling, etc.)	Complete
RIO RANCHO MIDDLE SCHOOL: Landscaping on Plaza, Electronic Access, Security System Upgrades	Complete
EAGLE RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL: Walking Track, Security System Upgrades, Electronic Access (FOB)	Complete
MOUNTAIN VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL: Security System Upgrades, Electronic Access (FOB), Retaining Walls	Complete
LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL: Bus Drop-off, New Parent Drop-off/Pick-up, IT Infrastructure Upgrades (wireless, storage, fire alarm), Electronic Access (FOB)	Complete
CIELO AZUL ELEMENTARY: IT Infrastructure Upgrades (wireless, storage)	Complete
COLINAS DEL NORTE ELEMENTARY: Site Improvements, Kitchen/Cafeteria/Gym Expansion, Window Replacement, IT Infrastructure Upgrades (Intercom, cabling), Exterior Improvements, Electronic Access (FOB), Security System Upgrades	Complete
ERNEST STAPLETON ELEMENTARY: Overflow Parking Lot	Complete
ENCHANTED HILLS ELEMENTARY: Site Improvements/HVAC/Drainage, Site Improvements (back & east side, playground Ramp, Security System Upgrades	Complete
MLK ELEMENTARY: Admin Renovation & HVAC Improvements, Security System Upgrades, IT Infrastructure Upgrades	Complete
PUESTA DEL SOL ELEMENTARY: Roof, Exterior Improvements	Complete
RIO RANCHO ELEMENTARY: Site Improvements, Exterior Improvements, Security System Upgrades	Complete
SANDIA VISTA ELEMENTARY: IT Infrastructure Upgrades (wireless, storage)	Complete
VISTA GRANDE ELEMENTARY: Cafeteria/Admin Expansion & Renovation, Playground Access/Equip/Landscaping, Electronic Access (FOB)	Complete
SHINING STARS PRESCHOOL: Administrative/Entry Renovation, Landscaping (irrigation, Xeriscaping)	Complete
JOE HARRIS ELEMENTARY: School Design	Complete
REAL ESTATE: Land Purchase, Land Purchase (overflow parking at ESE)	Complete
DISTRICT WIDE PROJECTS: Technology Infrastructure Improvements, NOC (Network Operations Center), Security System Equip Upgrades (FOB, upgrade cameras to digital), (Project Contingencies/Bus Parking Overflow - Refunded in 2012)	Complete
DISTRICT OFFICE: Warehouse/Training Center, New Roof	Complete

2012 Bond Projects

Total:	$50,000,000
RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL: Interior Improvements ($500,000) Partial B-Box Lighting, HVAC Upgrade (2,000,000), Stadium Improvements ($350,000), Baseball Field Turf (outfield) ($500,000), Horseshoe Landscaping/Parking ($250,000), Perimeter Wall ($100,000), Baseball Field Lighting ($350,000), Soccer Field Lighting ($250,000)	Complete
V. SUE CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL: East Event Parking Addition ($200,000), Baseball Field Lighting ($200,000), Softball Lighting ($200,000), Landscaping ($180,000)	Complete
INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL: IT Infrastructure Upgrades, New Roof ($300,000), Exterior Improvements	Complete
RIO RANCHO MIDDLE SCHOOL: HVAC Improvements (Gym) ($500,000), New Track ($250,000) Reassigned to CHS/RRHS track improvements, Link Glazing Improvements ($100,000), [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - Mostly Complete; Fire alarm upgrade in process]	Complete
EAGLE RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL: HVAC Improvements ($1,200,000), Tennis Courts ($150,000), [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - Fire alarm and intercom upgrades in process]	Complete
MOUNTAIN VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL: [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - Mostly Complete; Fire alarm upgrade in process], Tennis Courts ($150,000), HVAC Improvements ($1,200,000)	Complete
LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL (final phase of 2012 bond): Interior Renovation ($1,450,000), Electrical Upgrade ($500,000), Track Improvements ($200,000) Reassigned to CHS/RRHS, Kitchen Equipment Upgrade ($200,000), New Gym ($3,000,000), Window Replacement ($400,000), Upgrade HVAC system ($1,500,000)	Complete
CIELO AZUL ELEMENTARY: [Landscaping Improvements ($75,000) - Partially complete, to be completed winter '19], [Electronic Access (FOB) ($50,000) - In Design], Security System Upgrades	Complete
COLINAS DEL NORTE ELEMENTARY: IT Infrastructure Upgrade, Window Replacement ($200,000), HVAC Upgrade ($1,200,000)	Complete
ERNEST STAPLETON ELEMENTARY: Electronic Access (FOB) ($50,000), [Security System Upgrades - Pricing], [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - Cabling for portables in process]	Complete
ENCHANTED HILLS ELEMENTARY: HVAC Upgrade ($1,500,000), [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - In process]	Complete
MAGGIE CORDOVA ELEMENTARY Site Landscaping ($100,000), Parking Lot Expansion ($250,000), Security System Upgrades ($30,000), Electronic Access (FOB) ($50,000), [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - Phones and Intercom in process]	Complete
MLK ELEMENTARY: Parking Lot Improvements ($200,000), [New HVAC ($1,100,000) - Deferred pending additional funding to completely convert school HVAC system]	Complete
PUESTA DEL SOL ELEMENTARY: Window Replacement ($250,000), Electronic Access (FOB) ($50,000), Cafeteria Wall Modification ($150,000), Security System Upgrades ($45,000), [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - Mostly Complete]	Complete
RIO RANCHO ELEMENTARY: HVAC Upgrade (Annex) ($1,300,000), Roof Replacement (Annex/Gym) ($1,500,000), [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - Fire alarm and intercom upgrades in process]	Complete
SANDIA VISTA ELEMENTARY: Overflow Parking Lot ($300,000), Landscaping ($100,000), [Electronic Access (FOB) - $50,000], [Security System Upgrades - $30,000]	Complete
VISTA GRANDE ELEMENTARY: IT Infrastructure Upgrades, [Security System Upgrades - $40,000], Classroom Addition ($4,700,000)	Complete
SHINING STARS PRESCHOOL (Note: Some projects deferred pending completion of new campus): Classroom Renovation ($400,000), [HVAC Upgrades ($250,000) - Deferred], [Site Lighting ($200,000) - Deferred], Landscaping ($100,000), [Parking Lot Improvements ($200,000) - Complete/some funds deferred], [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - Phone and network improvements in process]	Complete
JOE HARRIS ELEMENTARY ($10,000,000)	Complete
TRANSPORTATION (final phase of 2012 bond): New Transportation Center ($2,400,000+)	Complete
REAL ESTATE: Land Purchase ($3,506,000)	Complete
DISTRICT WIDE PROJECTS: Softball Complex Lighting ($400,000), Softball Complex Turf ($400,000)	Complete
DISTRICT OFFICE: HVAC Upgrade ($200,000), Interior Improvements ($165,000), [IT Infrastructure Upgrades - Mostly Complete]	Complete

2016 Bond Issue

Total:	$60,000,000
ALL SCHOOLS - Technology improvements: ($7 million): Technology upgrades 1.5 million/yr over a four-year period. Security enhancements ($1 million): Security enhancements, Exterior lighting study	Complete
SHINING STARS PRESCHOOL: New campus: ($15.5 million)	Complete
JOE HARRIS ELEMENTARY: New campus ($24.5 million)	Complete
RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL: Security improvements: access control, Exterior improvements: B&E Academy, Football/soccer stadium emergency, access/parking/landscaping, [Track stadium restrooms/storage/fencing - In construction], [Site security improvements (fencing) - Complete, additional work pending funding]	Complete
V. SUE CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL: Student parking expansion	Complete
NDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL: ADA access improvements	Complete
RIO RANCHO MIDDLE SCHOOL: HVAC Improvements, Fine arts storage, [South wing improvements - Funding reallocated]	Complete
EAGLE RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL: HVAC Improvements, Gym floor: conversion to wood	Complete
MOUNTAIN VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL: HVAC Improvements, Gym floor: conversion to wood	Complete
LINCOLN MIDDLE SCHOOL: Fine Arts equipment storage	Complete
COLINAS DEL NORTE ELEMENTARY: HVAC improvements	Complete
MLK ELEMENTARY: Site pedestrian safety improvements	Complete
PUESTA DEL SOL ELEMENTARY: Playground access improvements	Complete
RIO RANCHO ELEMENTARY: Security improvements: access control	Complete
REAL ESTATE: Land Purchase ($3 million)	Complete

2019 Bond Issue

The 2019 bond issue was passed in November 2019. Funds will become available over a four-year period.

2019 Bond Election

TOTAL:	$60,000,000
HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) $43.5 MILLION :
Colinas del Norte Elementary	Complete
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary	Complete (in closeout)
Puesta del Sol Elementary	In construction, completion anticipated Fall 2022
Rio Rancho Elementary	Complete
Eagle Ridge Middle School	Complete
Mountain View Middle School	Complete
Rio Rancho Middle School	Construction starts Summer 2022
TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS: $3 MILLION: Technology enhancements	Pending
CAREER-TECHNICAL EDUCATION/HIGH SCHOOL EXPANSION: $12 MILLION: CAREER-TECHNICAL EDUCATION - Career-Technical Education Center, Career-Technical classroom enhancements	Career Technical Education (CTE) building (former Alliance Data building) purchased in December 2021. Master planning underway for renovations to accommodate career technical programs. High school expansion funds reallocated to acquisition of the CTE facility.
ATHLETIC FIELD REPLACEMENT:$1.5 MILLION: Cleveland High School & Rio Rancho High School	Construction underway on both campuses

Capital Improvements Mill Levy Election

Thank you, Rio Rancho!

Official Canvassed Election Returns Here!
On February 6, 2018 Rio Rancho voters renewed the Rio Rancho Public Schools capital improvements two mill levy, which pays for routine maintenance of school facilities, computer software and hardware, interactive instructional technology, and technology infrastructure. The measure passed with 81.9% of those voting saying yes, and 19.1% saying no. Passage of the ballot measure maintains the current tax rate.

What does RRPS do with the funds raised through the mill levy?

View our short videos!

What is the Two-Mill Capital Improvements Levy (SB-9), and why is it important?

The Public School Capital Improvements Tax – also known as SB-9 or the two-mill levy -- provides an ongoing source of funding to pay for routine school maintenance, small construction projects, and technology. These projects protect the taxpayers’ investment in our buildings and assure they are safe, functional places for teaching and learning. School districts must ask the voters to reauthorize the tax every six years.

How much money does the mill levy provide? How is it used?

The Capital Improvements Mill Levy generates revenue equal to two mills ($2) per $1,000 of taxable value of property within the school district (for example, approximately $100 for a $150,000 home). The two-mill levy currently provides about $4.3 million per year to RRPS and $85,000 to the ASK Academy.
State statute allows the use of mill levy funds for:

Building, remodeling, equipping and furnishing public school buildings
Purchasing/improving public school grounds
Maintenance of buildings and grounds
Purchasing computers and software for student use
Purchasing/installing technology infrastructure
Purchasing activity vehicles to transport students to school activities

Mill levy funds cannot be used for school district staff salaries.

How is this different from a bond issue?

The two-mill levy is not the same as a bond issue – they are two different things and both are important:

Bond Issues fund major projects such as building schools or paying for classroom additions or major renovations
Two Mill Levy provides ongoing funding to take care of the things that keep a school functioning: fixing heating and plumbing, installing electrical outlets, replacing computers.

Charter Schools Benefit Too!

The passage supports state-chartered public schools within the RRPS boundary — the ASK Academy and the Sandoval Academy of Bilingual Education (SABE). Revenues generated by the mill levy are prorated based on enrollment.

What happens if the mill levy does not pass?

Crucial building maintenance would either not be performed or would have to be paid for by taking operational money out of the classroom.
The district would lose matching funds (up to $600,000 per year, depending on local tax collections) provided by the state to districts whose voters have approved levying the capital improvements tax.

Rio Rancho Public Schools