*the views expressed in this piece are that of the author and not this publication.

March 7, 2023

Beginning March 1, 2023, you will be receiving ballots in the mail regarding the Carlsbad
Schools $90 million dollar bond election. This is a critical ballot that will help to ensure the
prosperity of our schools for years to come.

The vote is for Phase 2 of the bond, and the funds will be used to construct a new middle school
in southern Carlsbad. In addition to the construction of a new middle school, this bond will also
allow the district to renovate Sunset elementary school.

With the population of our town continuing to grow, the construction of a new middle school is
vital in managing that growth. With enrollment reaching nearly 800 students at each middle
school, the new school will be built to handle the growth both in students and technology. Once
Sunset elementary has been renovated it will complete the K-5 model that the district has been
trying to implement. Doing so will reduce bus rides, and unnecessary transitions in our
children’s scholastic careers.

Phase I of the bond allowed for an addition of kindergarten wings to both Ocotillo and Desert
Willow Elementary schools. It also afforded the district the ability to rebuild and renovate
Riverside school. All the aforementioned projects have been completed and are in use. The
remaining projects from Phase I recently began construction and include the new Performing
Arts Building and Field House on the CHS campus as well as the renovation of Monterrey
Elementary school.

Recently there has been some discussion regarding the tax implications of this bond as well as
how the money will be spent. It is imperative to understand that this bond will not raise the
current mill levy rate for property owners. That statement bears repeating, THERE WILL NOT
BE AN ADDITIONAL TAX INCREASE. This is made possible because of strong oil and gas
revenues in Eddy County. As for the allocation of the money, I think it is important to know that
the ballot reads as the statue is intended, however this bond will not be used for housing, it will
in fact be used for the purpose of new junior high school and the remodel of Sunset Elementary
School.

With the district’s total enrollment approaching 8,000 students this is a critical time to invest in
our children’s future. I would strongly urge you to vote in support of this bond.

I appreciate your support and consideration.
Sincerely,

James Bowen
Eddy County Commissioner— District 4