ANTHONY, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — After more than 50 years serving the Anthony community, Gadsden Middle School is welcoming students to a brand-new, state-of-the-art campus.
The new $80 million school replaces the original campus, which district leaders say had reached the point where major repairs were no longer practical. Now, students are beginning the school year in the new building following a two-year demolition and construction process.
Jessica Cadena, Gadsden Independent School District's associate superintendent of support services, has a personal connection to the school. She attended the original Gadsden Middle School, and her father served as the school's principal from 1977 to 1979.
"It represents a jewel of our community and something the community can be proud of," Cadena said.
The new campus was funded through a partnership between the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority and local taxpayers.
Gadsden Middle School opens $80M campus as students start year in newly built facility
Cadena said the state contributed $47 million with the district covering about $33 million through local funding. School officials tell KFOX14 it was an investment that was needed.
"I mean, 50-year-old plumbing is very expensive to correct, and it would have been very intrusive to instruction," Cadena said. "It would have required us to actually vacate the building and make major repairs."
Principal Raul Villagrana said he's eager for students to experience every part of the new school.
"I'm excited for them to see the classrooms, the field, I think everything," Villagrana said
Among the new features is a turf athletic field that will be used for sports, physical education classes and extracurricular activities. Villagrana said the additional outdoor space will allow the school to host more activities than before.
"Having a new facility, it's exciting to see how kids are gonna use it and utilize it," Villagrana said.
The expanded campus is also allowing Gadsden ISD to make a significant change by moving sixth-grade students to the middle school, something the district has not done previously.
In addition to updated classrooms and athletic facilities, students will also have access to a new library media center featuring modern learning spaces, scenic views and areas designed for studying and relaxing.
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