Board approves amended RioTech joint-use agreement; CNM scales back diesel plan amid cost increases

The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 27 approved amendments to the career-technical education (CTE) joint‑use agreement with Central New Mexico Community College, a vote that formalizes program changes and updated cost estimates as the district prepares to open the RioTech Skilled Trades and Technology Center.

The board voted 5-0 to approve the amended agreement after presentations from district operations staff and questions from several board members. "We will have a diesel program. We will not have the diesel program," Chief Operations Officer Mike Baker said during the presentation, describing the change as a shift from CNM moving its full diesel program to Rio Rancho toward a smaller, “fundamentals of diesel” course that trains on smaller diesel engines.

Why it matters: The amendments affect which postsecondary programs will run at RioTech, how costs are allocated and the timetable for openings. District officials said the changes respond to higher-than-expected construction and program costs and to CNM’s revised plans; the board emphasized student access and reserved registration priority for RRPS students.

Board and staff presented the financial and program changes before the vote. Baker said RRPS’s project cost estimate rose from about $38.7 million to roughly $46.7 million — an increase of about $8 million — and told the board CNM’s estimate for its share rose from $22 million to about $47 million. He said CNM has sought alternatives for its full diesel program in Albuquerque and might partner with Albuquerque Public Schools for a diesel site closer to Rio Rancho.

In discussion, trustees pressed staff about program timing and capacity. Board member Garrett (last name on file as Morgan) asked whether all district programs would be offered in 2025; staff replied that the district expects to offer its programs in 2025 and that CNM’s portion of auto-related programs is expected in 2026 but is not guaranteed. "There is no guarantee," Baker said of CNM’s schedule, noting construction timelines and supply-chain factors.

Several trustees voiced disappointment with CNM’s change of scope. Board member Beth Miller said she was "disappointed" and urged more reliable commitments from partnering institutions in the future; Gary Tripp asked that the board record his concern about CNM’s approach in the minutes and then voted yes.

What was decided - RRPS and CNM: amendments to the joint-use agreement were approved 5-0. The agreement adds carpentry and digital media to programs to be offered at RioTech, confirms RRPS students will receive registration priority, and includes more detailed implementation language. - Diesel instruction: CNM will provide a smaller, fundamentals-focused diesel class rather than relocating its full diesel program to RioTech. The JUA leaves open the possibility of expanding diesel offerings later if local demand increases. - Timetable: RRPS expects the Skilled Trades and Technology Center (RioTech) to open in 2025 for most programs; automotive/CNM openings are estimated for 2026 but are not guaranteed.

Background and next steps: Staff said substantial negotiation time went into the amended contract and that CNM and RRPS legal teams drafted a compromise document. Trustees requested continued communication with CNM about construction timelines and program commitments; administration said CNM’s campus planning is progressing and a CNM site is expected to break ground in spring, with about a year of construction estimated.

The board’s approval allows staff to implement the amended agreement as RioTech construction continues and to plan student registration under the new program priorities.

Ending: Administration said it will schedule a community open house when the facility is ready; trustees and staff said they hope the amended agreement will still expand skilled-trades access for both high-school students and local adults seeking workforce training.