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Las Cruces Public Schools says it secured $7.855M from legislature; board approves applying for state solar grants
Summary
Superintendent Ruiz and lobbyist Chris Balzano reported that LCPS secured $7,855,000 in state capital and GRO funding for a CTE center, family support center and other projects. The board approved a resolution to apply to the New Mexico Finance Authority Local Solar Access Fund, designating a staff applicant and identifying five priority sites.
Las Cruces Public Schools reported legislative successes and took action March 24 to pursue state funding for solar projects across district campuses.
Superintendent Ruiz and district lobbyist Chris Balzano briefed the board on the recently concluded 2026 legislative session and highlighted district wins. Shirley (district capital outlay presenter) told the board the district secured $6,825,000 in capital outlay funding (including $3 million for a CTE center) and $1,030,000 in GRO funding for prioritized projects; she said the district’s total secured funding this cycle is $7,855,000. Administration described planned uses including the family support center, CTE enhancements, student broadcast lab refreshes and a second food truck initiative tied to special education and Best Buddies programming.
On the same agenda, the board considered a resolution to apply to the New Mexico Finance Authority Local Solar Access Fund, which offers awards of up to $1,000,000 per project (with a separate smaller technical-assistance category up to $50,000). Associate Director of Physical Plant Dolores Polanco described the district’s five priority sites—Conley, Las Cruces High School, Lynn Middle School, Chavez (elementary) and Fair Acres—selected to balance high energy use, community-school status, geographic coverage and CTE connections. Polanco said the projects emphasize shade structures with integrated photovoltaic panels for student parking and community resilience; staff emphasized the competition is statewide and local match requirements apply (administration noted a planning target of roughly 20% local cost share during discussion).
The board moved and approved a resolution designating district staff to submit the application and enabling the team to pursue the grant. Administration said the awards could reduce site electricity costs substantially and that staff will return with detailed budgets, implementation timelines and possible match scenarios if funding is offered.
The board also approved routine motions at the meeting, including a scholarship nomination and consent agenda items. No project award decisions were made at the meeting; selection remains subject to the Finance Authority’s competitive review process.
