socorro district may see both new facility construction and renovation

The result of an online survey being conducted by the Socorro Consolidated Schools District may go a long way in determining several future facility projects.

For the last several months, district officials have been trying to decide whether to upgrade both an existing elementary and middle school, or build an entirely new facility that would go up next to the existing Socorro High School at 1200 Michigan Avenue.

Animating the discussion is the current condition of the Zimmerly Elementary School at 511 El Camino Real Street.
That school, built in 2006, was closed down by district officials last April after structural issues with the building’s foundation were discovered.

In response, members of the Socorro Consolidated Schools Board of Education have been thinking about approving a $4 to $8 million upgrading of Zimmerly and turning it into a middle school.

But also up for consideration is a proposal to upgrade and renovate the district’s Raymond S. Sarracino Middle School at 1425 El Camino Real Street.

That estimated $17 million work would see an extensive upgrading of the building’s auditorium, cafeteria, kitchen, and locker rooms, while other parts of the structure would be demolished to make way for new construction.

Yet another option would see the construction of an entirely new middle school that would most likely go up on the southwest side of the existing Socorro High School.

That project would probably cost about $15 million and would see the construction of a building housing gymnasium and cafeteria space, while sharing classroom amenities with the high school.

Although the various proposals have been discussed by board members and district officials in public meetings, the online survey asking residents which option they would like to see is being regarded as pivotal in arriving at a final decision.

Respondents will have until this coming Thanksgiving to offer input.

By Garry Boulard

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