RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) –If your kids are getting ready for Pre-K in Rio Rancho, they might all be going to a single facility. Due to a state agency mandate, Rio Rancho Public Schools is considering turning an elementary school into a complete Pre-K-focused location.
Rio Rancho Public Schools had a board meeting earlier this week to explore how to comply with state rules for having full-time Pre-K programs by the fall of next year. During the meeting, they mentioned their biggest concerns. “We have been looking at this, and talking about this, and looking at options for a year now. And so, this is a point where we have got to move forward,” said Dr. V. Sue Cleveland, Superintendent.
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Rio Rancho Public Schools says they’re running out of time to figure out how to comply with a state mandate. That requires them to transition from half-time Pre-K programs to full-time programs. That means having facilities where students would spend more time in classrooms. During a board meeting on Monday, they discussed options, which include using a current elementary school.
“Our strategy involves exploring the potential of transitioning kindergartens and re-purposing existing facilities like Puesta Del Sol. To expand our reach while confronting the realities of staffing, funding, infrastructure, and adjustments necessary for our ambitious overhaul,” said Jerry Reeder, Executive Director of Special Services for Rio Rancho Public Schools.
The board mentioned that Rio Rancho has experienced more kids going into kindergarten with gaps in their education and the importance of full-time Pre-K programs. The option of keeping Pre-K programs at multiple schools was mentioned and it was popular among parents at the meeting.
“Another option was to fully redistribute early childhood students to multiple elementary campuses, while this is significantly viable, there were significant challenges,” said Reeder.
Rio Rancho Public Schools says a centralized location for Pre-K programs allows for easy collaboration between teachers and it reduces travel time for students and bus drivers who would take all the kids to the same place.
They also mentioned Puesta Del Sol Elementary was selected as an ideal location due to its recent lighting and security upgrades. The board says no decisions would be made just yet because there are still lots of questions that need to be answered.
“It’s not been taken lightly it’s not an easy thing, and there’s still a lot of discussion that needs to take place before a final plan can even be presented,” said Dr. Cleveland.
KRQE News 13 also reached out to Santa Fe Public Schools, who says they’ve provided full-day state-funded Pre-K for four-year-olds for several years. They say they’re looking into including full-day for three-year-olds next year. Albuquerque Public Schools already provide full-day Pre-K programs at 58 sites.
Albuquerque Public Schools full statement:
“APS will continue to provide full-day early childhood education programs. We currently have full-day Pre-K programs at 58 different sites throughout the district. We are applying for Pre-K expansion at APS through the Early Childhood Education and Care Department.”
Santa Fe Public Schools full statement:
“SFPS has provided full-day New Mexico-funded PreK for all 4Y classes for several years at Nye Early Childhood Center and at 14 elementary schools. We currently offer services for 3Y and mixed-age, but are not funded through the ECECD. We are applying for ECECD funding to expand full-day 3Y options for next school year.”
Rio Rancho Public Schools full statement:
“Rio Rancho Public Schools is in the process of researching viable options to address the new full-time requirements mandated by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department. On Monday evening, the RRPS Board of Education voted to move forward with the development of a plan to expand PreK services to the southside of Rio Rancho. The Board has not voted to close or adjust any school at this time. Over the next year, with the help of the RRPS community, a plan will be thoughtfully developed for presentation to the Board during the 2024-25 school year.
We recognize the importance of community input and diverse perspectives in shaping a plan that truly reflects what is best for all students and meets the diverse needs of our community. One of the considerations for the plan includes repurposing Puesta del Sol Elementary, or another elementary if identified throughout the planning process, into a PreK campus.
No decisions have been made at this point, and we value our community’s feedback. We will be working with parents, teachers, and other community members over the next year to develop a plan that best fits the needs of our students and our vastly underserved PreK population while also complying with the new full-day requirement for all PreK schools in New Mexico.”
