Taos Municipal Schools propose $50M bond for middle school upgrades with state funding

The Taos Municipal Schools Board convened on June 18, 2025, to discuss critical funding strategies for school facilities, particularly focusing on the pressing need for improvements at Taos Middle School. The meeting highlighted the importance of local community involvement in addressing school infrastructure, as state funding primarily supports operational costs while local districts are responsible for facility maintenance and upgrades.

A significant point of discussion was the recent ranking of Taos Middle School as the 11th highest priority for funding across New Mexico, while Taos High School fell below the top 100, limiting its eligibility for state matching funds. This ranking provides a clear direction for the district's funding efforts, emphasizing the need to prioritize the middle school for upcoming projects.

The board reviewed a proposal for a bond election, recommending a $50 million bond to fund necessary improvements. Notably, the plan suggests a modest increase in the local mill levy from 5.4 to approximately 7.4 mills, which translates to an estimated monthly tax increase of $11 for homeowners with properties valued at $200,000. This approach aims to minimize the financial burden on residents while still securing substantial state matching funds, which have been adjusted to cover 37% of project costs under recent legislation.

The board is set to consider a resolution for the bond election at its next meeting in July, with the goal of placing the measure on the ballot for November. This timeline is crucial, as it aligns with the state’s current funding incentives, which are designed to support districts in addressing aging school facilities.

In addition to the middle school project, discussions included the potential for using similar funding mechanisms to support housing initiatives for teachers, reflecting the district's broader commitment to enhancing educational resources and community support.

As the board prepares for the upcoming election, it plans to form a bond committee to engage the community and gather input on specific projects. This committee will play a vital role in ensuring transparency and fostering public support for the proposed funding measures.

The outcomes of this meeting underscore the district's proactive approach to addressing infrastructure needs while balancing the financial implications for local taxpayers. The board's commitment to community engagement and strategic planning will be essential as they move forward with these initiatives.