LAPS News:Jan. 3, 2017, the voters of Los Alamos will have the opportunity to build a brighter future for our students with their vote on a mail-in ballot for a $13 million construction bond that would not raise tax rates.
If approved, bond funds will (1) renovate Barranca Elementary School by replacing 60 percent of old classrooms, remove all portables, and significantly increase energy efficiency; (2) upgrade Mountain Elementary School by enclosing the 200 Wing and Hallway to 100 Wing, fix restrooms and the Nurse’s Office, and replace the roof; and (3) provide new heating and cooling systems at Chamisa and Piñon Elementary Schools and provide protective maintenance and energy efficient improvements.
At the High School, the bond will fund a Field House at Sullivan Track & Field for safety, bathrooms, concessions, and an athletic trainer room. The bond will also fund replacement of boilers in Smith Auditorium, High School E Wing, and Griffith Gymnasium.
It is clear that quality facilities have a direct impact on student learning and staff well-being. This Bond election allows voters to continue progress in renovating and maintaining our schools.
Approval of the 2017 bond is the next step in the district’s long-range facilities improvement plan. This plan started with a $40 million 2009 bond used to modernize the high school and construct the academic wing of the middle school.
Los Alamos High School renovations were completed January 2012. Courtesy/LAPS
Los Alamos Middle School renovations completed October 2013. Courtesy/LAPS
Bond 2013 for $20 million was primarily focused on replacing the academic wing of Aspen Elementary School.
Aspen Elementary School was completed October 2014. Courtesy/LAPSThe voters can be confident that our facilities master plan is being followed. Simply stated – promise made, promise kept. With approval of the 2017 Bond, the Los Alamos Community will have the opportunity to continue progress in upgrading our aging facilities.
Building better schools helps Los Alamos attract and retain the best, most inspiring teachers and employees for the Lab, County, and local businesses. Quality school facilities substantially improve residential real estate values and add to the vitality of our beautiful community.
The all-mailed ballot will be sent January 3 to registered voters in Los Alamos. Ballots are due in the County Clerk’s Office by January 24, 2017. The bond does not raise tax rates because it serves as a replacement bond for the one approved in 2013.
For more information, please feel free to call Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus at (505).663.2230 or check the School Bond information website at: http://laschools.net/Page/9734.
