2009-10 Budget Situation
Due to the current economic conditions, the State of New Mexico – like most states throughout the nation – is currently experiencing a significant budget shortfall. The Governor and state legislature are considering proposals to cut state budgets to make up for the deficit. These cuts may or may not include cuts to public schools. Watch this site for ongoing information on the state budget situation and how it may impact Rio Rancho Public Schools.
- Read Dr. Cleveland’s letter to parents (en espaņol) regarding the October special session and the possible impact of budget cuts in our schools.
- Click here to contact your state legislators.
About the Rio Rancho Public Schools budget
The Rio Rancho Public Schools budget actually consists of a series of separate funding sources. The possible funding cuts would affect the operational budget, which supports teaching and learning in classrooms. Click here to view a chart showing the various funding sources.
Some in the community have suggested that some of the funds expended to build the new Cleveland High School should have been diverted to operations. Under state law, we are not allowed to expend funds designated for school construction and modernization (capital expenses) for salaries and other operational expenses.
So moving money out of the Cleveland project to pay teachers and buy supplies was not an option.
As construction costs continue to accelerate and Rio Rancho continues to grow, we believe the timely completion of Cleveland High will be a very good investment that will serve the community for decades to come.
How does RRPS spend its money?
The vast majority of Rio Rancho Public Schools operational budget pays for people: salaries and benefits. These two areas, along with utilities and insurance, are sometimes referred to as “fixed costs” – essential to the operation of the district.
Taken together, these four areas account for nearly 95% of the budget. This is why it is so difficult to cut the budget without cutting salaries and/or jobs. Estimates of the needed cuts run as high as 10%, but even a 3% - 5% cut would be difficult to absorb without affecting salaries and benefits.