Do you have a child under Albuquerque Public Schools or are you working for the district? Your feedback will play a vital role as APS is set to begin its right-sizing efforts after “years of sharp enrollment declines.”
On Wednesday, the APS Board of Education approved a resolution to launch a districtwide public engagement process on facility and enrollment planning. The initiative will open conversations on how to address the concern, which may directly affect your child.
APS said it has not made any decisions about school closures, consolidations, or boundary changes. However, the measure calls for a series of community meetings this fall. These discussions will let you share your input before the district develops formal recommendations.
In a statement, APS said the effort comes as enrollment has declined. The district had 84,000 students in 2018, compared with under 64,000 at the end of last school year. The figures represent a loss of around 20,000 students.
How Enrollment Decline Affects APS
APS said the drop stems from lower birth rates in Bernalillo County and families with school-age children moving out of state. As enrollment falls, many schools have empty or underused spaces.
Nearly one in four APS schools currently serves fewer than 250 students. About one in six operates at less than half capacity. The district said this is a challenge in offering comprehensive programming and robust campus environments for your children.
Additionally, underused facilities reportedly strain APS finances and operations, with the district spending about $50,000 daily on utilities alone.
Randy Mahlerwein, deputy superintendent for leadership and learning, said with the decrease of school populations it’s difficult to sustain the same programs, services, and staffing.
What Options Does APS Have?
APS notes that other districts also face similar enrollment challenges. Some are pursuing right-sizing and school closure to maintain educational quality and equitable student resources.
District leaders cited past campus repurposing efforts as possible options. These include turning underused facilities into early childhood centers, dual-language academies, or specialized high schools.
The district will review community feedback collected this fall during the winter. District staff expect to brief the board in early 2027 on community priorities and possible next steps before drafting specific proposals.
