2 Alamogordo schools could close

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRQE) - The Alamogordo School District may close the doors on two of its schools, and that has some parents gearing up for a fight.

Alamogordo Superintendent Michael Harris recommended closing Holloman Middle School and High Rolls Elementary School, saying it could save the district around $1.3 million.

Harris said it's the only option after he learned the district's budget will come up short because state coffers are hurting.

If the schools close, 155 students would be transferred to Mountain View Middle School and La Luz Elementary.

District Spokesperson Doyle Syling assured News 13 that those schools can handle the extra load.

Syling also said that teachers from Holloman and High Rolls will still have jobs next year.

Parent Stasy Shipman has organized a group against the school closings. She said Holloman is a high performing school, and there is no reason to shut it down.

Shipman said military kids on Holloman Air Force Base move around enough, and teachers there understand that.

"Some of their focus has challenges when their parents are deployed, they are living with relatives, extended TDYs, they are able work with them on a more individualized basis to figure out how to approach these issues," Shipman said.

The recommendation has to go before the full school board and then to the state board of education.

It is possible that Holloman and High Rolls could be closed by the fall.

The district will hold a public hearing about the potential closures next Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the districts administrative complex.