Statement from Secretary of Education Dr. Veronica C. García, Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Everitt and Representative Rick Miera

Resolution Reached on APS Revenues

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Following some productive meetings today in Albuquerque, the Public Education Department, Albuquerque Public Schools and Representative Rick Miera reached consensus on the following items:

We’ve come to the resolution on the revenues, which include fine arts and full-day kindergarten, which comes to approximately $15 million in new revenue – with $8 million already being reflected in the budget.

APS will increase revenues and the related expenditures which address full-day kindergarten and fine arts. Both APS and PED are pleased that the process for budgeting these items has been changed.

Agreement on the above mentioned items does not mean that the budget gap no longer exists. APS’s budget will balance, taking into account a projected $40 million gap. The budget will be based on achieving district priorities.

The process includes taking the budget to the Board for approval and submitting it to PED for final approval.