Albuquerque Public Schools dropping middle school athletics

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Albuquerque Public Schools has decided to drop its middle school athletics program.

The Albuquerque Journal and KOAT-TV both reported Thursday night that the move is being made to help address massive budget cuts.

APS spokeswoman Monica Armenta says the budget steering committee discussed the option for months, but she heard Thursday they have made it final.

APS currently offers intermural volleyball, basketball and track and field at the middle school level.

Cutting them reportedly will save up to $500,000 to $750,000 each year.

Regular physical education classes won’t be affected.

While APS and other school districts are still awaiting a special legislative session that will determine their fiscal year 2018 budgets, Armenta says administrators must make some decisions before the final numbers are set.