Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation Youth topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rio Rancho budget includes $75,000 to develop after‑school programming for middle‑schoolers
Summary
The FY‑26 recommended budget includes $75,000 for an after‑school program targeted to grades 5–8; parks and library staff said they are exploring partnerships, transportation and vendor options with a view to launching in summer or the next school year.
City staff included $75,000 in the FY‑26 recommended budget to support development of after‑school programming aimed at middle‑school‑aged children (grades five through eight).
Parks Department Director Peterson and Library Director Jason Shoop are jointly exploring a program that could operate at Loma Colorado Library or a community center, incorporate transportation, and be run by city staff or an outside vendor. The $75,000 appears in two line items in the budget — $50,000 and $25,000 — staff said, and the program is still in development.
"We're looking to add something else in the community for youth, to support and engage and interact with our youth," City Manager Matt Geisel said, noting police and fire have also been part of conversations about programming.
Councilor List described the investment as a positive step to support children and encouraged other community organizations to consider similar efforts.
Staff said they want to have program information available by summer so parents can include it in school‑year planning and registration; details on vendor selection, transportation logistics and final program design remain to be finalized.
