District overview
Raton Public Schools
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How Raton schools are paid for and who decides
Raton Public Schools serves about 800 students in Raton, New Mexico, at Longfellow Elementary, Raton Intermediate School and Raton High School. Most operating money comes from New Mexico's funding formula, which pays a set amount per student 'unit'; that amount rose to $7,117.10 for 2026-27. A five-member elected Board of Education sets the budget and policy and oversees Superintendent Kristie Medina. Building projects are paid for with local bond and SB9 property-tax money matched by the state Public School Facilities Authority, which must approve each design step.
State formula money
The 2026-27 budget counts about $14.8 million in operating revenue; about 79% goes to salaries and benefits.
Voter-approved building money
Voters passed the SB9 school bond in November 2025; the state facilities authority is a partner on the new school.
Small elected board
Five members serve four-year terms; Jason Phillips is president and Ryan Boone vice president.
Rising costs
Health insurance premiums rise 9.95% in 2026-27, and the state required 1% raises and an 80/20 insurance split.
The auditor called the 2024-25 audit clean, and the district reported a small positive balance at its spring budget hearing.
Where the district stands
Staff said enrollment was just under 800 at the March 19, 2026 budget hearing.
Major projects
New combined school building
designThe district is building a new school with the state facilities authority. The board hired soil, HVAC and roofing consultants, and the design moved through state reviews. Groundbreaking is expected in December 2026. Old buildings such as Columbian School are to be demolished later, though Columbian is held up by a historic-registry question.
- SB9 bond passed; soil survey approved
- HVAC and roofing consultants hired
- Construction phase after final state review
- Groundbreaking expected
Funding
SB9 bond, local bonds and state Public School Facilities Authority match
Four-day school week
in progressAfter a survey of 705 families, the board allowed a four-day week, approved the 2026-27 calendar 3-2, and confirmed the change in July. The NEA contract sets the longer school-day hours.
- Calendar tabled for a family survey
- Four-day week allowed 5-0
- 2026-27 calendar approved 3-2
- Change confirmed
Funding
Operating budget
Propane bus fueling station and buses
in progressThe board accepted a $150,000 state grant for a propane fueling station, and the September agenda lists a fueling contract and two replacement route buses.
- $150,000 grant accepted
- Two replacement buses on the agenda
Funding
State capital outlay grant
Recent news
Board of Education agendas and minutes posted on the district website (November 20, 2025 through the September 17, 2026 agenda), read in full. Meeting recordings posted to Google Drive could not be collected.
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