Wyndham Kemsley, executive director of communications for Rio Rancho Public Schools, presented the district's proposed $80,000,000 bond package to the Rio Rancho City Council and said the ask would not increase the tax rate for voters. "We are asking Rio Rancho voters for a total of $80,000,000 in funding allocations," Kemsley said, and he urged voters to consider the ballot question on Nov. 4.

Kemsley described projects the district would fund if voters approve the bond. He said the district estimates state Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) matching or grant opportunities could increase the value of the package — in his presentation staff said the $80,000,000 ask could turn into $104,000,000 with PSFA match funding. For a new pre-K facility on the southern end of the city, the district said it would ask voters for $17,000,000; Kemsley said "with that PSFA match funding, it will go up to $41,000,000."

Other items Kemsley listed with approximate allocations included $20,000,000 to complete previously approved 2023 bond projects (drainage, roof and electrical work and similar construction), $18,000,000 for transforming Rio Rancho Elementary School into a STEAM-focused campus (possible planetarium and relocating the district's UFO record center), $7,000,000 for systemwide roof/HVAC/drainage/intercom upgrades and a redesign of the Vista Grande Elementary bus loop, and land acquisition in the south for a future middle school. He also mentioned turf and marching-field replacements at both high schools and funding for a permanent Enchanted Mesa daycare facility that could become a CTE pathway for childcare work.

Kemsley said the district chose the $80,000,000 ask with the goal of minimizing tax-rate impact for voters. "The main selling point for us is that there's no tax rate increase with this bond," he said. He also provided a handout and directed residents to the district website for details and to communications@rps.net for questions.

Council members thanked the district for the presentation; no council action was taken. Mayor and councilors praised the district's work on student programs and said they appreciated the information. Kemsley closed by encouraging residents to review the district materials and consider the Nov. 4 election.