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Board approves community study for a science magnet at Rio Rancho Elementary
Summary
The board authorized a community committee to explore creating a K–5 or 4–8 science magnet at Rio Rancho Elementary, citing under-enrollment and available campus capacity; the motion passed with a unanimous voice vote.
The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education voted Monday to direct staff to form a community committee to study the feasibility of creating a science-focused magnet at Rio Rancho Elementary.
Elementary Instruction staff said Rio Rancho Elementary currently enrolls about 481 students in a building designed for roughly 600, and suggested a magnet could boost enrollment while spotlighting science and STEM pathways. Elementary School Improvement Officer Jenna Chenault described possible options under consideration: a K–5 science magnet, a 4–8 (fourth through eighth grade) science school, or a campus that hosts districtwide science resources such as a planetarium and labs for primary-source research partnerships with local institutions.
Chenault told the board that potential partners could include local businesses, the chamber of commerce, federal and state research organizations and internal district partners such as the Air Force Research Lab. Trustees discussed program goals: increasing student choice, attracting families and strengthening local workforce pipelines into science and engineering fields. Board member Gary Tripp asked that the committee consider concrete enrollment targets to stabilize neighborhood school size; staff acknowledged transportation and boundary implications if a school becomes a magnet, which could eliminate neighborhood busing for that campus.
The board approved the motion to proceed with a study and community coalition without committing to a specific model or funding source; the item will produce recommendations on curricular focus, cost estimates and possible funding strategies (bond, grants, community partnerships). The motion carried on a voice vote; trustees said more work will follow to define enrollment targets, boundary impacts and transportation considerations.
