Proposed Redistricting For New LC High School Concerns Some Teachers

A new school on Sonoma Ranch Boulevard near Dripping Springs Road is causing some unintended consequences in Las Cruces.

The new $100 million Centennial High School needs to draw in around 1,000 new students, and where they’re coming from is upsetting some Las Crucens.

The proposed redistricting of Las Cruces schools might cause approximately 200 students from Mayfield High School in the Elks Club area to shift to the new high school.

But its not the number of students moving that’s upsetting Las Cruces High School teacher Del Hansen; it’s where they’re coming from.

According to Hansen, who used to work at Mayfield, the Elks Club area produces a large number of high-achieving students, and losing them would mean losing Advanced Placement courses and a large portion of Mayfield’s music program.

Las Cruces Public Schools spokeswoman Jo Galvan disagrees.

“Maybe you have six or seven AP courses, and maybe you’ll end up with five. But you’ll still have AP in every school. You’ll still have band in every school. You’ll still have (District) 5A athletic programs in every school,” Galvan said. “It is not going to dissolve any existing programs.

The redistricting is not set in stone, so LCPS will hold a forum Tuesday to reveal its new plan and take comments and suggestions.

Submit your redistricting input via email to: redistricting@lcps.k12.nm.us