State Land Office responds favorably to the district proposal, offering long-term lease options that could benefit schools and the greater Grant County community.
Silver Consolidated Schools has made significant progress in our efforts to secure a more sustainable, long-term arrangement for Ben Altamirano Fields. Following discussions with the New Mexico State Land Office and a formal proposal submitted by the district, we have received two lease options that could provide greater financial stability, protect our longstanding investment, and help preserve these facilities for our students and the greater Grant County community.
For more than three decades, Silver Consolidated Schools has maintained, operated, and invested in Ben Altamirano Fields. However, increasing lease costs and the responsibility of maintaining facilities on property we do not own have led us to explore alternatives that better serve our students, taxpayers, and community.
On October 14, the district formally requested a review of its existing lease, which expires June 30, 2027.
Following a meeting with State Land Office representatives on October 30, we submitted a proposal outlining both short-term and long-term options, including a 40-year lease with a one-time payment of $200,000. On November 10, the State Land Office responded favorably to our proposal, offering two options: a 40-year lease for $200,000 or a 20-year lease for $121,213. For perspective, the district’s original lease in 1997 was approximately $6,000 annually, increasing to $11,328 in 2022 and approximately $12,262 today. Under the previously considered 40-year lease structure, with annual rent increases of 2%, the district projected paying approximately $725,000 over the life of the agreement. By comparison, the newly offered and accepted 40-year option would cost $200,000 upfront, equivalent to $5,000 per year, with no additional annual rental payments or increases, while the 20-year option would average approximately $6,061 annually. Both options would eliminate recurring annual lease payments and future rental increases over the lease term.
While this requires a significant initial investment, it presents an opportunity for greater financial predictability and substantially lower total lease payments over time, subject to final agreement terms and Board approval.
This represents a significant opportunity for our district to secure long-term stability, better manage taxpayer resources, and protect the investment we’ve made in these facilities over the past three decades. No final decision has been made, and we are reviewing the financial and legal implications before our Board of Education decides the most appropriate option.
This represents a hugely meaningful progress, and I sincerely appreciate Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard and the State Land Office team for their willingness to work with our district toward a solution that recognizes the State’s fiduciary responsibilities while considering the significant investment Silver Schools has made in these facilities.
No final decision has been made. The Board will review the financial and legal implications of both options, before bringing the matter up for consideration vote. As we continue planning improvements to our athletic facilities, including those at Silver High School and near La Plata Middle School, these new lease options present an encouraging opportunity that could positively influence our long-term planning. Our Board of Education will carefully and deliberately consider these possibilities and how they might best serve our students, district, and community moving forward.
We also look forward to continuing our conversations with the Town of Silver City and Grant County about what a stronger, long-term partnership might look like. The Town of Silver currently partners with our district through an existing agreement that helps cover water and electricity costs at the fields, and we appreciate that continued support. Following my presentations to both governing bodies early this fall, Grant County has also expressed interest in exploring opportunities for greater collaboration. Our upcoming December 2 meeting will provide an opportunity to build on those conversations and consider how we can share responsibilities, resources, and opportunities in ways that benefit our students and the broader community.
I believe we are on the cusps of an opportunity to find a responsible solution that respects the interests of the State, protects our district’s resources, and preserves an important community asset for years to come.
William D. Hawkins
Superintendent Silver Consolidated Schools
