Are you interested in sharing your thoughts on Albuquerque Public Schools’ right-sizing efforts? The district will hold a series of community meetings from October through January to hear public feedback on how schools can best meet students’ needs.
Albuquerque Public Schools is holding community meetings from October 2026 through January 2027 to gather public feedback on right-sizing efforts amid declining enrollment. The district’s enrollment fell from 84,000 students in 2018 to under 64,000 last year, leaving many schools operating well below capacity. Sessions will be held at various high schools across the district.
APS has not decided on school closures, consolidations, or boundary changes, but seeks input from families, students, employees, and community members on priorities for facilities, academic programs, and resource allocation. Low enrollment reportedly strains finances, with $50,000 spent daily on utilities, and limits access to specialists and extracurricular activities. Staff will brief the board in early 2027 on feedback before drafting proposals.
APS said enrollment has declined over the years, leaving several schools and facilities operating well below capacity. APS is asking families, students, district employees, and community members to be part of the planning for the future. The district wants your input on priorities for school decisions, academic programs, and resource allocation.
Here’s the list of upcoming public listening sessions, starting with the first meeting next Monday evening:
- Cibola High School, cafeteria, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Del Norte High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Eldorado High School, cafeteria, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Highland High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Berna Facio Professional Development Center – Meeting for those who speak Arabic, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Swahili and Vietnamese (6 p.m.) and Spanish (6:30 p.m.), Monday, Nov. 2, 2026
- Manzano High School, cafeteria, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Rio Grande High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Valley High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Albuquerque High School, theater, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027, 6 p.m.
- Atrisco Heritage Academy High School, cafeteria, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027, 6 p.m.
- Sandia High School, cafeteria, Monday, Jan. 11, 2027, 6 p.m.
- Volcano Vista High School, cafeteria, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2027, 6 p.m.
- West Mesa High School, library, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027, 6 p.m.
- La Cueva High School, PAC, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, 6 p.m.
Why is APS Considering Right-Sizing?
In September, 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.
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.
The drop stems from lower birth rates in Bernalillo County and families with school-age children moving out of state, according to APS. As enrollment falls, many schools have empty or underused spaces.
How Declining Enrollment Affects Students
The drop in enrollment can affect your child’s day-to-day school experience. APS said roughly one in six schools operates at less than half of its intended capacity. This makes it harder for the district to offer comprehensive programming and create a vibrant school environment.
APS added that underused facilities reportedly strain finances and operations, with the district spending about $50,000 daily on utilities alone.
The district also said when schools have very few students, they often struggle to provide full-time specialists. Counselors, librarians, nurses, and art or music teachers may have to split their time across several campuses.
Very low enrollment can likewise limit your child’s access to extracurricular activities, elective classes, and chances to learn from different teachers. As a result, students may have fewer opportunities for academic support and enrichment.
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.
