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

Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.
Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County. Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.
*Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:
90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.
Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside. Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Diné College Selects New President

Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.