Old Tibbetts School to be Demolished

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 11:43 AM

Old Tibbetts Middle School. Courtesy: gamblershouse.wordpress.com

Farmington Schools Superintendent Dr. Eugene Schmidt says bids will go out soon, and the district hopes to have the site mostly cleared by August 2017. The building was last used as a school for Hermosa Junior High students in 2015 while the new Hermosa school was being built. Students and teachers moved to the new Tibbetts Middle School in August 2013.

Farmington's old Tibbetts Middle School, which dates back more than 70 years and was also used as a High School, will be torn down this summer. Farmington School Superintendent Dr. Eugene Schmidt said today on KSJE, the district wants to sell the property, which includes the adjacent outdoor running track and covers several city blocks. Schmidt says the school district could use proceeds from the sale, in light of recent state budget cuts.

Schmidt says bids will go out soon, and the district hopes to have the site mostly cleared by August 2017. The building was last used as a school for Hermosa Junior High students in 2015 while the new Hermosa school was being built. Students and teachers moved to the new Tibbetts Middle School in August 2013.

Schmidt says the newer Emma Weaver library addition on the west end of the building will be the only structure not demolished.

(An aerial view of the old Tibbetts Middle School property in Farmington, including the Emma Weaver Library at the bottom of the image. Courtesy: Google maps)

Audio of Farmington Municipal Schools Superintendent Dr. Eugene Schmidt discussing the district's plans with Scott Michlin on KSJE, Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

More from Local News

One Dead after RV Fire in Flora Vista

Around 3:40 am, Sunday, November 9, San Juan County Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of a structure fire on Road 3546 in Flora Vista. San Juan County Fire & Rescue responded with mutual aid from the Bloomfield Fire Department. Crews arrived to find an RV on fire and the occupant still inside. Despite a quick response from fire crews, the RV was a total loss, and an occupant was found dead after the fire was extinguished.
Lanier Announces 2026 run for NM Governor

In 2020, Lanier was elected to the San Juan County Commission, and in 2024, he was elected State Senator for New Mexico's 2nd District.
2025 General Election Results

These are unofficial results from the contested races in the 2025 General Election held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Bus Service to Link Farmington to Durango, Albuquerque

The need for the route was identified in the Statewide Public Transportation Plan and will run between Albuquerque, Farmington, Bernalillo, Cuba and into Durango, CO. The new service line will run five days a week, with one round trip each day, providing access to Navajo Transit and Red Apple Transit in Farmington.
Two Fatally Shot in Durango, Suspect Shoots Self

Durango Police say that both victims from Monday night's shooting, Shelby Campbell (32) and Emma Sims (32), have passed away from their injuries. The suspect, Bradley Campbell (32), remains on life support with a gunshot wound to the head. Durango Police Detectives continue to investigate this incident, but there is no indication that anyone else was involved.
Update: Driver Cited for Street Racing (video)

The driver of the red Toyota Supra, 22-year-old Kalynn Kenworthy, was charged with racing on highways. Kenworthy has an extensive history of traffic violations, including citations for racing in August 2025 and in 2023, as well as more than seven speeding citations within the past four years, each averaging more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Additional charges are pending against the driver of the white passenger car.