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

San Juan Co. to NM: Find Out Why Local Gas Prices Are High

The New Mexico Department of Justice has investigated fuel prices in San Juan County under prior Attorneys General. Investigations were inconclusive, but there was relief at the pump for a brief period. “We just want to be assured that San Juan County is paying what’s fair at the pump,” said Commissioner Lanier. “With limited competition between brands, it is worth checking out.”
Suspect Sought in July 4th Fatal Shooting

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting and located 18-year-old Elihue Vialpando, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. A second victim, Jack Chavez, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment. Witness statements revealed Vialpando brandished a pistol and fired rounds earlier in the night, but based on the timeline of events and witness statements, did not support actions by Thomas Vigil.
Authorities Search for DWI Treatment Center Escapee

The suspect escaped during Sunday afternoon church services. He asked to go to the bathroom and never returned, immediately initiating a count and search of the facility. This is the first escape in the 31-year history of the jail-based treatment center.
Farmington Man Sentenced on Child Porn Conviction

Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).
Colorado Business Expands in Farmington

NM-backed expansion expected to generate more than $22 million economic impact
2026 NM Primary Local (Unofficial) Results

We'll be updating this page with results throughout the evening on Tuesday, June 2, 2026: These are the unofficial results of the contested NM Primary races in San Juan County on June 2, 2026: