Superintendent asks voters to approve Nov. 4 bond for special‑needs facility, refrigerated air and school upgrades

Superintendent Gabriela Duran Blakey urged attendees at the State of the District to support a general obligation bond on the Nov. 4 ballot that would fund special education facilities and a package of building repairs and upgrades across Albuquerque Public Schools.

Blakey described the bond as a response to aging infrastructure and rising temperatures that have stressed school air‑conditioning systems. She said technicians worked “around the clock” over the summer to keep units functioning and that the bond would allow the district to convert 20 schools to refrigerated air systems, complete 13 essential building projects delayed by rising construction costs and fund a hands‑on career lab.

“We will be able to convert 20 schools to new refrigerated air systems,” Blakey said. She also said the bond includes funding for a special‑needs education facility on the West Side so students would not have to be bused across town to access services.

Transcript remarks did not include a dollar amount for the bond, detailed project lists or specific school names beyond the West Side special‑needs facility. Blakey said the bond would also support upgrades intended to reduce long‑term maintenance costs and improve conditions for students and staff.

Because the bond is voter‑approved debt, it must be authorized by voters on Nov. 4 before funds can be spent. The superintendent framed the measure as a way to protect student learning time and address in‑school safety and comfort during heat waves, but the transcript contains no details on tax impacts, bond term, estimated local millage change or a project prioritization list.

Blakey closed the segment with a direct appeal to the audience: “So please vote on November 4,” she said. The transcript does not record any formal board action at the event to place the bond on the ballot; it was presented as an upcoming ballot measure for voters to decide.