Future Estancia High School students will be faced with more options after graduation, if school leaders have their way.
Voters have approved a $4 million bond issue that will help the Estancia Municipal School District build a new career and vocational education center. 69% of 447 mailed-in ballots voted in support, officials say.
“We are ultimately thankful to our community for supporting the bond and excited to provide extended learning opportunities for our students” Superintendent Cindy Sims earlier told the Route 66 Independent Tuesday. “We want every student to leave on a pathway to higher learning and a degree, or a valuable trade skill leading to employability and a career in the trades.”
The news takes on increased importance in the wake of New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s signing of House Bill 9, which bans local governments from entering into, renewing or extending agreements to house Immigration and Customs Enforcement prisoners. The Torrance County Detention Facility is the town’s largest employer.
Sims earlier told the Route 66 Independent that while some community members were confused by language in the ballot question listing teacher housing as a possible use of the money, it will be spent on improving the district’s vocational education offerings, as the school board has previously prioritized. Plans include a barn for students without land to learn animal care and bays for electrical, automotive and even windpower maintenance, officials say.
The board approved last year’s purchase of 75 acres for the site of the center.