APS Board Approves $1 Billion Operating Budget

Spending plan includes raises for employees, continuation of TOPS model, final phase of Fine Arts elementary expansion.

The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education has approved a $1.02 billion operating budget for the district that includes raises for all employees, the continuation of the TOPS model, and the final phase of the elementary school fine arts expansion.

Unlike many urban districts across the country, APS is not facing large deficits and layoffs despite decreasing enrollment and the expiration of ESSER funding. APS recognized that the pandemic relief funds were temporary and tried to avoid spending the one-time money on recurring expenses.

The budget, which was approved by a unanimous vote Wednesday night, is for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The spending plan now goes to the state Public Education Department for consideration.

The operational budget is $38.7 million higher than this year’s budget, but much of that increase is due to legislation approved by state officials earlier this year, specifically raises for all employees.

Among the highlights:

• $25 million for 3% raises across the district, with $21 million of that total coming from the operational budget
• $16 million to continue the Transformational Opportunity Pilot Schools, a model previously launched to help students in struggling schools by increasing instructional time
• $802,000 for the final phase of the elementary school Fine Arts expansion, guaranteeing that every APS elementary school has music and art.

The budget APS is submitting to the state totals $2.15 billion, which is $13.1 million less than the total budget approved for the current fiscal year. The total budget includes the $1.03 billion operational budget, $581.8 million in capital funds, $199.1 million in federal grants, $194.8 million in debt service, and other funding for such things as school meals, busing of students, and instructional materials.