Frequently Asked Questions About the Bond Issue
What is the Higher Education Center?
The Santa Fe Higher Education Center is a centrally-located complex in Santa Fe where the community college would partner with the state's universities to enable local students further their education at the bachelor's and master's level. The plan has the approval of the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
Why does Santa Fe need a Higher Education Center?
Education is one of the most effective ways to improve the economy and help individuals succeed. The Higher Education Center will provide advanced degrees at an affordable cost.
Research and polling shows that Santa Fe residents have expressed an interest in furthering their education at the bachelor's or master's level. The Higher Education Center will meet that demand by providing a buffet of programs and institutions, offered in one convenient location.
With a new campus in a downtown location, more students could take advantage of higher education opportunities closer to home.
Where will the HEC be located?
A final location has not been selected. SFCC is most interested in land that has been identified for possible use by the state of New Mexico on the campus of College of Santa Fe.
How many students are expected to be served by the HEC?
We estimate as many as 500 in the first year, growing to 1,000 or more by 2016.
How much will it cost to build the HEC? How will SFCC finance it?
The cost of constructing the center is currently estimated at $12 million. SFCC will ask voters to say yes or no to a $35 million bond issue on August 3. The bond issue would fund needed improvements at the college's Richards Ave. campus and also construct the Higher Education Center.
What is the role of SFCC in the HEC?
Santa Fe Community College envisions itself to have two roles: 1) to provide lower division classes at the same affordable tuition rates it charges at its campus on south Richards Ave., and 2) to be the "landlord" and operator of the HEC. As the operator of the HEC, SFCC will be the organizing entity and the coordinator of the HEC governance structure.
Will passage of this general obligation bond issue on August 3 increase my taxes?
No. In fact, taxpayers could see a decrease in their bill. This is because interest rates are so low, and some of SFCC's other bond obligations will retire. The new, less-expensive bond money will bring down SFCC's debt service mill levy, which currently stands at 1.046 mills.
If the bond issue that SFCC is proposing is approved by the voters, when will the HEC open?
We believe if all the approvals go through, the HEC could open as early as 2012.
Will the tuition charged at the HEC be the same tuition charged at SFCC? Will the other schools set their own tuition rates?
The tuition for SFCC classes at the HEC will be the same rate charged for SFCC classes at the Richards Ave. campus. Other schools will set their own rates.
Why not just offer more classes on the SFCC main campus?
In the past two years alone, enrollment at SFCC has grown by more than 25 percent. Classrooms, laboratories, and facilities are at maximum capacity. The Higher Education Center will increase access for local students while alleviating current traffic and crowded conditions at the Richards Avenue campus.
Where can I get more information?
Dr. Tina Ludutsky-Taylor is the SFCC contact: (505) 428-1182 or tina.ludutskytaylor@sfcc.edu. Inquiries can also be made to Dr. Sheila Ortego, SFCC President: (505) 428-1201, sheila.ortego@sfcc.edu.
"With everyone freaking out about the economy, I love the idea of affordable tuition.
By finishing my degree at a Higher Education Center in Santa Fe, I can stay close to my family."