History and Funding of Capital Master Plan

The APS Capital Master Plan (CMP) has guided APS capital improvement investments since its adoption in 1990. The plan has directed over $4.58 billion of improvements in district facilities (as of SY 2022-23).

Every five years, Facility Assessments are conducted by licensed architects at all APS facilities. These Facility Assessments consist of an extensive technical needs assessment based on APS District and State of New Mexico Adequacy Standards.  Assessments are completed by an independent, architectural consultant. A licensed architect inspects each site, consults with the principal and/or school custodian, to identify all pertinent facility issues, document facility conditions and any significant defects, and compile a comprehensive, qualitative facility summary.  Each summary consists of a Site Assessment, Building and Facility Assessment, and Adequacy and Environment report.

The purpose of the Facility Assessments is to ensure that the APS District is investing its budget properly and based on need.  Schools with the greatest facility needs are prioritized in the Capital Master Plan.

Funding

Capital Resources

There are two primary sources that fund APS. 

Operational funds: Comes from the state based on a state-wide equalization formula. For example, money that pays teachers' salaries, heats and cools the schools, etc.

Capital funds: Locally derived capital funds are approved by district voters and are based on local property taxes. APS uses both Mill Levy funds and General Obligation bond issues. For example, money to build new schools and renovations.

General Obligation Bond (GO Bonds)

GO Bonds are debt financing issued every 3-4 years. APS borrows money that is paid back by local property tax collections.

 Funds are directed primarily for larger capital projects such as new schools, major additions, educational programmatic needs and school, and district-based technology.

HB 33 (House Bill 33)

6-year mill levy (funds collected throughout the year with most of the collections in December and January)

 Traditionally, APS uses HB 33 revenues to:

• Renew existing facilities (school-based and district-wide funds)
• Address specific health-safety and code compliance issues
• Provide for educational equipment and support
• Provide for smaller capital needs at each facility through the distribution of School Improvement Project (SIP) funds.
• HB 33 is also a contributory source of funds for additional classrooms and contingencies in concert with ongoing general obligation bond cycles.

SB9 (Senate Bill 9)

6-year mill levy (funds collected throughout the year with most of the collections in December and January)

• Used to address the maintenance and renewal concerns in the district. SB9 is traditionally allocated in a number of 'funds' that are budgeted and expended on a yearly basis.
• SB9 funds also provide supplementary school funding for capital and technology needs at district schools.

Other Sources of Capital Funds

There are other potential sources of capital funds. However, since these sources are not guaranteed, they are not budgeted with the district's capital master plan. Should they become available they provide additional capacity to address CMP unfunded priorities.

Direct Legislative Appropriations

These are grants used for specific projects by state legislators. The CMP provides information to schools about 'unfunded' projects to help direct state appropriations to appropriate projects.

Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) Standards-based Grants

The State of New Mexico has adopted adequacy standards that all state schools must meet. All school districts can apply for state matching funds if they have a five-year master plan on file and an approved maintenance plan. There are guidelines for master plans and maintenance plans. The degree of match varies from district to district, per a formula calculated by PSCOC. In 2022 this formula was recommended by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) to be reassessed so that the grant matches are more accessible to public schools across the state. The State has developed priorities for funding based on a state-wide assessment of all schools. The Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) serves as staff to the PSCOC.

Land Sales

APS buys, sells and trades land for the school and administrative use. Generally, all proceeds are used for future land purchases.

This page was last updated on: February 7, 2023.