BY DAVID HAMPTON
Candidate
UNM-LA Advisory Board

As a candidate for one of the 3 positions on the UNM-LA Advisory Board who has been knocking on people’s doors, my most frequently asked question is, “What does this board actually do?”

While we can advocate for things the community wants and actually needs (and we do!), like more 4 years degrees, more trade/technical certifications, a more robust dual credit program for our high schoolers, more community education programs, etc., programs and curriculum decisions are entirely in the hands of main campus in Albuquerque.

Our main functions include promoting and running bond campaigns, which staff legally can’t do, recommending changes to and approving the operating agreement with main campus, endorsing annual budgets and tuition, fundraising, input into chancellor and senior staff selection, and representing the community at UNM-LA functions.

Let’s talk money. While we can’t control programs and curriculum, we as a community actually own the facilities. When improvements are made, at least 25% has to be paid out of our property taxes. Our community overwhelmingly and generously approved a property tax increase last November which will largely be used to upgrade aging facilities. Think 1947 in some cases.

Another area of fundraising is the Title V matching grant, which will be used to offset our portion of future capital improvements. If you are interested in helping us obtain the full amount of this grant, which is a one-for-one match, please visit this website and support the 2 endowments which have been created for it:

https://losalamos.unm.edu/about/giving-to-unm-los-alamos.html

UNM-LA’s most pressing problem at this time is the state funding formula. The formula has errors, and we are underfunded. You see this played out in that our instructors are frequently paid less than those at the high school, which can cause staffing issues for us. So, another important job for us is to advocate for correcting this formula and assist those who are also working to change it. Another fun fact about UNM-LA is that the state, which gives free tuition to those who qualify, will not let us, or strongly discourages us, from increasing tuition to make up the shortfalls.

Another important function for the board is to represent the community at UNM-LA functions. Graduation, fundraisers, community outreach and events, etc. There have been graduations in the past with zero board attendance. As a current board member, I attended last year, and was greatly enriched by it.

I hope this clarifies any questions people may have, but please reach out to me if you have any others. And remember, early voting starts Tuesday, Oct. 7.