The recent passage of Española Public Schools’ $40 million General Obligation (GO) bond on Nov. 7, 2023, represents an exciting step forward for our community.
This investment will bring critical improvements to our schools over the next four years, with funds distributed in $10 million increments annually to support the repair, renovation, and renewal of our facilities. These upgrades are much more than just structural enhancements; they’re essential for creating high-quality, safe, and inspiring learning spaces for our students.
The age and condition of our facilities reflect the district’s challenges. Across our 13 school sites, which span 764,924 square feet, the average building age is 48 years.
Many of our schools, such as San Juan Elementary (built 92 years ago) and Chimayó Elementary (67 years old), require substantial work to address aging structures and infrastructure. These schools have served us well, but the time has come for updates that match the demands of a modern educational environment. Research shows that classroom conditions can directly impact learning, as well-maintained and thoughtfully designed facilities encourage focus, engagement, and a sense of pride in the school environment.
In just the first four months of the 2024-2025 school year, we’ve already allocated nearly $4.26 million — close to half of our first year’s bond funds — toward essential projects, including roof repairs, HVAC replacements, and other improvements. We’re also addressing smaller but important updates, like district-wide heater maintenance in preparation for winter, repairs to gym and kitchen facilities, and upgrades to outdated door hardware. These improvements might seem routine, but they’re pivotal for creating learning spaces that support both comfort and safety for students and staff alike.
Roof repairs have become one of our most significant investments, with nearly $2.2 million allocated to improvements across multiple schools. The roof at Tony E. Quintana Elementary was completed on Sept. 27 and the project at Carlos F. Vigil Middle School is expected to reach completion this week, marking a key milestone in our progress.
Similar repairs are scheduled for San Juan Elementary and Chimayó Elementary later this year. Each of these projects underscores our commitment to addressing longstanding facility needs and ensuring that every school offers a safe and supportive learning environment.
To keep our community informed, we’ve introduced a Bond Project Tracker on the district’s website. This tracker provides updated information on current projects, anticipated start and completion dates, and other progress notes. It’s a way to engage the community in our journey and maintain transparency, ensuring we’re accountable to every resident who placed their trust in this initiative.
In the coming weeks, we’ll release Invitations to Bid (ITBs) for services such as electrical work, HVAC maintenance, plumbing, and landscaping. Our team is committed to adhering to the New Mexico Procurement Code to ensure we secure the best services at competitive prices, further ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Maintaining aging buildings is challenging, especially when considering the unique needs of our 327 classrooms. Yet with this bond, we’re able to look beyond temporary fixes and address the infrastructure and functional needs of our schools in a way that will impact students’ learning experiences for years to come. The projects we undertake now are aligned with our 5-Year Facility Master Plan, which sets out a comprehensive approach to maintaining and improving our facilities over the long term.
As superintendent, I’m deeply grateful for the community’s support. This bond is an investment not only in our schools but also in the future of Española. Together, we’re building a legacy of safe, effective learning spaces that meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s aspirations. Over the next four years, we’ll make the changes necessary to transform our schools, ensuring that our students have the best possible environment to learn, grow, and succeed.
I encourage everyone to visit our 2024-2025 Bond Project Tracker on the district website at www.k12espanola.org for regular updates on our progress. This is an exciting time for Española Public Schools, and I look forward to building a brighter future together.