Saving or raising money, voters to decide

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Renovate, renew and restore, that's what the Albuquerque Public School District says it has plans to do with $368-million. It will be up to voters if they get the money or not based on the outcome of Tuesday's election.

"Being that we're sitting in a school building that's had a minimal classroom addition since 1964, I think it's really important that we get our students in classrooms that are updated and up to speed and have current technology with other schools," says Annittra Atler, principal of Adobe Acres Elementary School in Albuquerque's South Valley.

"Most of our classrooms only had two outlets in the classroom which doesn't provide teachers with a lot of room to bring in computers or the new Promethean Boards, interactive boards for our students use," adds Atler.

A total of 18 different schools would split the $368-million. These schools have already seen some improvements thanks to voters saying yes three years ago in 2010. At least ten more would see better classrooms and technology if voters agree this year.

Besides helping in the classroom some of that money would help on the field at places like the controversial APS Community Stadium near 98th Street and I-40. It's been a hot button issue since even before voters approved $38- million dollars for it back in 2010.

"Personally, I think I'd rather that money go towards the schooling or something that would help the community as a whole," says Nicole Padilla, APS parent.

"The kids need it you know," says Daniel Mora whose grandchildren attend APS. "This stadium that's being built over here off 98th is going to be a great thing for the kids. My grandkids will land up playing sports there."

Here's how the $368-million all breaks down. $200-million would come from bonds and $168-million would come from keeping the mil levy the same which would essentially leave your property taxes where they are now.

If voters say no on the mil levy, it means those property taxes would go down. According to the Bernalillo County Assessor's Office, that's about $100 dollars a year for a property valued at $150,000.

Also on Tuesday's election, voters can decide who will be elected to the Albuquerque Public School Board and CNM's Governing Board.