Report: Albuquerque should shrink public schools, cut jobs

By CEDAR ATTANASIO
Associated Press / Report for America

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A report from the New Mexico Legislature recommends that the state’s largest school system prepare to close schools and cut education jobs. That’s despite an influx of state and federal cash and nearly 700 unfilled school worker positions at Albuquerque Public Schools. The Legislative Finance Committee report delivered Wednesday says the district must plan major cuts because of declining enrollment exacerbated by the pandemic. It says the district has a mismatch of teachers and students and that special education students don’t have enough trained educators. District superintendent Scott Elder has acknowledged that the district needs to cut some staff positions, but says closing schools could hurt communities and increase bussing costs.