October 20, 2025

APS Seeks Community Input on Upcoming Budget

Albuquerque, October 20, 2025

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is inviting feedback from residents during public forums this week regarding the 2026-27 budget. The forums, starting October 21, will emphasize topics such as teacher salaries, student programs, and infrastructure improvements. Featuring multiple locations and time slots, these sessions provide a valuable platform for community voices to shape educational spending. The district aims to address rising costs through community engagement and ensure strategic allocation of resources for academic success.

Albuquerque

APS Seeks Community Input on 2026-27 Budget Through Public Forums This Week

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is actively inviting residents to provide feedback on the upcoming 2026-27 budget during a series of public forums scheduled this week. The initiative underscores the district’s emphasis on incorporating local perspectives to guide funding decisions, especially as educational costs continue to climb across the region. These meetings, starting October 21, will focus on critical areas such as teacher salaries, student programs, and infrastructure improvements, aiming to ensure resources are allocated effectively for the benefit of students and staff.

The forums represent a key opportunity for parents, teachers, and community members to influence how APS addresses its financial priorities. With rising expenses in education, including higher operational costs and demands for enhanced learning environments, district officials are prioritizing input that reflects the diverse needs of Albuquerque families. Sessions will be hosted at several prominent high schools, allowing participants to discuss and suggest allocations that support academic success and school safety.

Forum Schedule and Locations

The public input sessions are set to begin on October 21 and continue through the week, providing multiple time slots for attendance. Each meeting will last approximately two hours, featuring presentations on the proposed budget outline followed by open discussions. Residents can register in advance through the APS website or attend without prior notice, though space may be limited at larger venues.

Key locations include Albuquerque High School on October 21 at 6 p.m., Del Norte High School on October 22 at 5:30 p.m., and Eldorado High School on October 23 at 6 p.m. Additional sessions are planned for October 24 at West Mesa High School, ensuring coverage across different parts of the city. These venues were selected for their accessibility and capacity to host community gatherings.

Focus Areas for Discussion

During the forums, participants will explore several vital components of the budget. Teacher salaries are expected to be a major topic, as the district grapples with competitive compensation to retain and attract qualified educators amid statewide shortages. Discussions on student programs will cover expansions in extracurricular activities, special education services, and technology integration to meet modern learning standards.

Infrastructure needs will also take center stage, with conversations around maintenance of aging facilities, new construction projects, and energy-efficient upgrades to create safer, more sustainable school environments. Community members can expect data-driven presentations highlighting current funding levels, projected revenues, and potential challenges like inflation and enrollment fluctuations.

Background on APS Budget Process

Albuquerque Public Schools serves over 80,000 students across more than 140 schools, making it one of the largest districts in New Mexico. The 2026-27 budget process builds on previous years’ efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with educational excellence. Last year’s budget totaled around $1.2 billion, sourced primarily from state funding, local property taxes, and federal grants. Rising costs, including a 5% increase in overall expenses due to inflation, have prompted APS to seek broader community involvement this year.

The district’s approach aligns with state guidelines that mandate public participation in budgeting. By hosting these forums, APS aims to foster transparency and build consensus on priorities. Feedback collected will inform the final budget proposal, which must be approved by the school board in early 2026 before submission to state authorities. Historically, such input has led to adjustments, like increased funding for mental health resources and classroom supplies in recent cycles.

Attendance at these meetings not only allows residents to voice concerns but also helps shape policies that directly impact local schools. For those unable to attend in person, APS offers online submission options for comments, ensuring inclusivity. This proactive engagement reflects the district’s commitment to collaborative decision-making in an era of evolving educational demands.

In summary, the forums provide a platform for Albuquerque residents to contribute meaningfully to the future of public education. With sessions starting just days away, interested parties are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare questions on how best to support the next generation of learners.

FAQ

When do the APS public forums for the 2026-27 budget start?

The public forums start on October 21.

What topics will be covered at the APS budget forums?

The meetings will cover teacher salaries, student programs, and infrastructure needs across the district.

Where are the APS budget forums being held?

Sessions will be hosted at key high schools including Albuquerque High School, Del Norte High School, Eldorado High School, and West Mesa High School.

Why is APS seeking community input for the 2026-27 budget?

Officials emphasize the importance of resident feedback to prioritize education funding amid rising costs.

How can residents participate if they cannot attend the forums in person?

APS offers online submission options for comments.

Key Features of the APS 2026-27 Budget Forums

Feature	Description
Start Date	October 21
Main Topics	Teacher salaries, student programs, infrastructure needs
Locations	Key high schools across the district
Purpose	Gather resident feedback to prioritize funding amid rising costs
Participation Options	In-person attendance and online comment submissions