LL Schools special election ballots mailed to eligible voters

LOS LUNAS — Ballots for the Los Lunas Schools 3 mill levy special election have been mailed and are beginning to be received by community members.

In November, the public had the opportunity to vote on a $24 million general obligation bond and the continuation of a 2 and 3 mill levy for LLS that had no tax rate increase attached. While the GO bond and 2 mill passed, the 3 mill, which would have been dedicated to technology, did not.

LLS chief finance officer Sandra Traczyk said the 3 mill levy, which has been in continuation since 1998, provides about $3 million per year for the district to maintain and stay up to date with technology.

The loss of this levy, she said, would be detrimental for the students and staff of the district as technology has become much more integrated into everyday life.

LLS IT director Mike Good said the 3 mill failing in November has already impacted the district. So far, they’ve had to delay network cabling and electronics upgrades, terminate the T-Mobile hotspot program and cut back on any non-critical IT equipment expenses.

In response, the board of education approved a resolution for a special election in December 2023 for an all-mail ballot that would be mailed out to every registered voter in the district by the county clerk.

Good and Traczyk emphasized to the BOE in December that the continuation of the 3 mill is crucial as it maintains devices and ensures current and robust network, WiFi and system technologies and pays for several important subscription services related to technology.

According to the district’s website, if this levy fails to pass again, the long-term potential risks include increases for 1-1 device fees annually to students and families, increases for student device repair fees and longer device life cycles for staff and students, resulting in them having to use old or outdated devices.

Ballots must be mailed and postmarked by Tuesday, Aug. 13, to qualify. If approved, continuation of the 3 mill levy will have no tax rate increase.

LLS Board of Education member Justin Talley said at the July 23 meeting that he is concerned the public will not be properly informed of what they’re voting for due to the way the ballot is worded.

Acting superintendent Susan Chavez said in a phone interview that LLS staff worked with legal counsel to help generate the wording and that it’s derived from wording they must adhere to through state statute.

Chavez said she encourages everyone to support the students and staff of LLS by voting and to read the instructions on the ballot carefully.

“(The 3 mill) is vital for our student's success currently and in the future,” she said.