Clovis schools going green

Clovis schools are going green, according to Joel Shirley, Director of Operations for Clovis Municipal Schools.

CNJ staff photo: Tonjia Rolan

Construction of a new W.D. Gattis Middle School on North Thornton Street will incorporate green, energy efficient technology. The project will cost $25 million.

A new $25 million, energy-efficient W.D. Gattis Middle School, being constructed on North Thornton Street "should be a highly-efficient building to run," Shirley said.

Shirley said the design incorporates ground source heat pumps, polished concrete floors, energy efficient glass, a burnished black finish and eco-friendly landscaping.

"Even the orientation of the building is designed to maximize the use of natural lighting," Shirley said.

Construction of the 900-student facility began last November and is scheduled for completion in June.

Shirley said the new 131,000-square-foot facility will help relieve school overcrowding by moving 6th graders out of elementary schools and into the new middle school.

Jody Balch, the incoming deputy superintendent of operations for Clovis Municipal Schools, said, "Anything we build new will incorporate green features."

Balch said the schools cost more to build, but the energy saving green features reduce operation costs and the use of sustainable materials increases the longevity of the buildings.

CNJ staff photo: Tonjia Rolan

Construction of a new performing arts center for the Arts Academy at Bella Vista is part of a school renovation project costing approximately $8 million.

Heschong Mahone Group, an energy efficiency consulting firm, reports that schools utilizing green technology and materials use 33 percent less energy than schools of traditional design.

"This (green) trend has been going on for quite some time," Balch said. "There are very nice buildings going up across the United States."

Although the state of New Mexico does not mandate energy efficient construction of schools, Balch said the Public School Facility Authority, who authorizes state funds for schools, has been very supportive.

Shirley said the district has not yet hired a principal or administrator for the new school and is in the process of determining zoning for the facility.

The new W. D. Gattis Middle School is being constructed on a 30-acre parcel of land donated to the school district by Clovis business owner Sid Strebeck, who also donated six acres of water rights and agreed to develop water and sewer at the site.

Other school district projects in the works:

The Arts academy at Bella Vista

Construction of a new performing arts studio for the Arts Academy at Bella Vista is currently under way, on location, Shirley said. Twelve new class rooms have been added to the school and renovations are in progress. The projects should be completed by December and will cost approximately $8 million.

Lockwood Elementary School

Shirley said construction on a new facility to replace Lockwood Elementary School will begin in June. The new 54,000 square feet building will be located just north of Lockwood and cost $14 million.

James Bickley Elementary School

James Bickley Elementary School is also scheduled for replacement, but the new building is still in the design phase, according to Shirley. Construction on the facility is tentatively set to begin January of 2013, just north of the school.

Marshall Junior High School

Renovations to the interior and exterior of Marshal Junior High School will cost $6.4 million and are nearing completion, Balch said.

La Casita Elementary School

La Casita added a new wing to the school and renovations are 98 percent complete, Balch said. The final cost will be $7.6 million.

Paying for school construction

Shirley said the construction is paid for through an 80 percent share from the state and the remainder from general obligation bonds voters renewed in 2010.