Gadsden ISD drafts $75 million bonding brochure; Chapel Middle rebuild and districtwide repairs top priorities
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Summary
District staff presented a draft 2025 gold‑bond brochure showing an increased bonding capacity and a preliminary project list that includes a potential demolition‑and‑rebuild at Chapel Middle School and major district infrastructure work; cost estimates and final priorities remain to be set.
GADSDEN, N.M. — Finance and facilities staff showed the Gadsden ISD Board a draft bond brochure for a 2026 bond program after the district’s bonding capacity was projected to increase from about $38 million to roughly $75 million.
Jessica Cadena, director for support services, said the draft (labeled a working document) lists high‑priority items including demolishing and rebuilding Chapel Middle School — a project expected to have costs comparable to recent Gadsden Middle construction — and a district contribution estimated at $25 million. The brochure also lists possible projects such as a new Anthony pre‑K, design work for Santa Teresa Middle School, and districtwide infrastructure needs (sewer, roofing, and other maintenance needs) that staff would consider for bond financing.
Cadena said the brochure includes voter information (election date, registration deadlines and polling locations) and that the November 4 election would fund projects beginning in 2026. She called the draft a working document and told trustees it is intended to give the community information about possible projects and timelines.
Board members asked about priority ordering and cost estimates; Cadena said the board will be asked to help prioritize once the district can produce more detailed cost estimates for the top projects. She noted that costs for the Chapel Middle project may be higher than the earlier Gadsden Middle project because of inflation.
Why it matters: A higher bonding capacity could allow construction and major maintenance projects across the district, but the board must later set final priorities and voters must approve any bond measure.
What happens next: District staff said they will refine cost estimates, seek board input on priorities and continue community outreach before presenting a bond proposal for voter consideration.