Silver City, NM - September 5, 2023 - Did you know that Silver Consolidated Schools is one of the lowest taxing school districts in the state? Silver Consolidated Schools is announcing its plans to engage with the community and provide a clear picture of our school facilities and financial situation. As we gear up for the forthcoming Facilities Master Plan, we are eager to involve our community in understanding our goals and priorities.
Superintendent William Hawkins will lead these sessions, focusing on key aspects such as the needs of schools like Jose Barrios Elementary, Cliff Schools, and the Ben Altamirano Sports Complex. This is a crucial step in paving the way for the development of the next 5-year Facilities Master Plan, set to kick off this Spring. The Facilities Master Plan process is vital because it helps us identify areas of greatest need, for enhancement, manage resources effectively, and establish a long-term roadmap for improving our school facilities.
"We invite the community to join us this Spring and share your thoughts. However, before we embark on this journey together, it's important for all of us to understand the effects of past mill and debt levies, as well as the potential support from the Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) for significant renovations," emphasized Superintendent Hawkins. The needs of our district and the way facility improvements are funded locally should be aligned. That is what these meetings during the fall are about. "Your insights, questions, concerns, and opinions are invaluable to laying the foundation for shaping the learning and extracurricular environments within Silver Schools, making the most of the resources available."
Since there are no bond or levy requests from Silver Consolidated Schools on this year's ballot, we can have safe discussions dedicated to enhancing our facilities while shaping our future budget," highlighted Hawkins. These conversations provide a platform for frank and friendly discussions about our schools. "These discussions will ultimately help us strike a balance between costs and providing secure, upgraded learning spaces for our students," Hawkins continued. "This is a collective endeavor to create a promising future for our schools."
Superintendent Hawkins has begun to schedule meetings at various civic gatherings this fall and is readily available to present the State of Our Facilities and Finances at meetings organized by clubs or organizations. For those eager to gain insights into the district's facility needs and share their thoughts, we encourage you to get in touch with the Silver Consolidated Schools Central Office to schedule a presentation.
"My goal is to engage our entire community this school year, ensuring that we chart the best path forward to address our school facility needs while keeping the desires of our community in mind. We remain steadfast in adapting to changes in enrollment, educational trends, and safety standards," Superintendent Hawkins affirmed.
Let's Write Our Success Story Together!
For further information, please feel free to reach out to the Silver Consolidated Schools Central Office.
Contact:
Silver Consolidated Schools Central Office, Mrs. Lisa Lucero
Phone: [575-956-2000]
Email: llucero@silverschools.org
William Hawkins
Silver Consolidated Schools Superintendent