New Mexico Public School Capital Outlay Council: Facilities Master Plan Checklist and Guidelines

This guidance document by the New Mexico Public School Capital Outlay Council and the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority establishes the framework for school districts in the state to develop their five-year Facilities Master Plans (FMP). Creating this plan is a legal prerequisite for school districts to receive state capital outlay assistance. While focused on state requirements, the document notes that planning is a “good business practice” even for districts not seeking state funding. The resource helps users understand facility needs related to aging infrastructure, enrollment shifts, and preventive maintenance.

Key takeaways include the mandated structure for an FMP, which must contain an introduction, existing and projected conditions, capacity and utilization analysis, a capital improvement program, and a technical appendix.

The document details specific methodologies, such as the cohort-survival method for enrollment projections. It also defines critical metrics for facility evaluation, including Maximum Capacity, Functional Capacity, and Utilization rates. It also emphasizes that districts should undertake a public participation process involving students, teachers, and community leaders to build consensus on priorities. Ultimately, the FMP helps identify and prioritize projects such as building replacements, renovations, and security upgrades.