Silver City, NM – Silver Consolidated Schools has officially submitted Letters of Intent to the Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) for two vital infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the safety and functionality of school facilities. The projects include the Harrison H. Schmitt Elementary Roof Replacement and HVAC Update as well as Fire Detection and Alarm System Upgrades across multiple campuses.

Harrison H. Schmitt Elementary, originally constructed in 1970, has been a cornerstone of the community for years. Despite several additions, including classrooms in 1998 and a cafeteria in 1993, the building's infrastructure is showing signs of aging. Recent assessments from the district's 2024-29 Facilities Master Plan (FMP) have identified the need for immediate updates to both the roof and the fire detection systems to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students and staff.

In addition to the updates at Harrison H. Schmitt, the district-wide Fire Detection and Alarm System upgrades are also essential. These systems, which serve several campuses including Cliff Schools K-12, La Plata Middle School, and G.W. Stout Elementary Library, have exceeded their functional lifespans. The upgrades will address this critical need and bring the systems into compliance with current regulations.

Project Details:

Harrison H. Schmitt Elementary Roof Replacement and HVAC Update: This project is estimated at $1,900,880 and aims to replace the aging roof and update the HVAC system to prevent leaks, structural damage, and ensure proper air circulation, creating a safer and healthier learning environment.

Fire Detection and Alarm System Upgrades: Estimated at $680,462 these outdated systems will be replaced across several campuses, including Harrison H. Schmitt Elementary, *Cliff Schools K-12, La Plata Middle School, and G.W. Stout Elementary Library, to enhance fire safety and ensure compliance with modern fire codes. Cliff will likely be removed from this list contingent upon the approval of the PSCOC request for standards based replacement of the campus.

Both projects are prioritized based on their Weighted New Mexico Condition Index (wNMCI) and Facility Condition Index (FCI), which reflect the critical infrastructure needs outlined in the Facilities Master Plan. "These upgrades are not only necessary but essential to the well-being of our school communities. We will allocate funding through a General Obligation Bond (GOB) for various district-wide maintenance projects, but additional PSCOC funding is crucial to fully address these urgent needs.