Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The former Mountain View Elementary School, which houses the Early Head Start Program, probably will be demolished within the next year. Early Head Start is looking for a new location in the city.
The former Mountain View Elementary School in Tucumcari, used by the Early Head Start Program, might be town down sometime next year.
Tucumcari Public Schools assistant superintendent Dave Johnson told the board during its Nov. 20 meeting the district's insurer said the building should be condemned and that the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority has signaled it would cover all costs of its demolition, including hazardous materials abatement.
Johnson told board members that Eastern Plains Community Action Agency, which runs the local Early Head Start program, is looking to lease or buy a new facility in Tucumcari.
Among the possibilities are the former Quail Ridge assisted-living facility or using district-owned land near the elementary school. Early Head Start might install a portable building on vacant land, if needed.
Johnson said the board should consider a deadline for Early Head Start to move out of its current Mountain View Elementary School site at 1608 S. Rock Island St.
Board member Jerry Lopez suggested the end of March, which Johnson said is "probably plenty of time."
Board members, noting Early Head Start's services to parents and their young children, said they wanted to help Eastern Plains any way they could, including donating the land back to the agency after the building is demolished.
After the meeting, Johnson and administrative assistant Veronica Hernandez said the district's insurer expressed concern over the condition of the building and recommended condemnation after an inspection in October.
Johnson said Early Head Start uses only about 20% of the Mountain View structure. He said the insurer recommended boarding up any unused part of the building as soon as possible.
Johnson said the board may have to act swiftly on Mountain View to ensure the school facilities authority covers the cost of the demolition.
About 18 months ago, the district considered donating Mountain View Elementary School to the state. Eastern Plains Early Head Start rents the building for $1 a year, but it costs the school district thousands of dollars annually for upkeep.
Mountain View Elementary School opened in the early 1950s and closed about 40 years later.
