Rio Rancho in favor of money for schools

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) - Major improvements could be coming to Rio Rancho Public Schools thanks to voters in Tuesday's bond and mill levy election.

The results are still unofficial, but it appears the majority of voters approved the $50-million bond package and a renewal of the two-mill levy which funds maintenance and technology on an ongoing basis.

According to the Rio Rancho Public Schools website, the approval of the bond and mill levy questions will not increase the current property tax rates for schools.

The district depends on the two-mill levy for about $3-million annually. This allows the district to put more of the operational money into the classroom instead of the up keep on buildings and buying computers.

Rio Rancho Public School officials are also hoping some of the money could be set aside for the construction of Joe Harris Elementary which would alleviate overcrowding at three nearby elementary schools.

The official results of the election will be released on Friday, but according to the district the bond question passed with 65 percent in favor and 35 percent against. The mill levy question carried about 60 percent of the voters in favor and about 40 percent against.