Silver City, NM – Silver Consolidated Schools has officially submitted a Letter of Intent to the Public School Capital Outlay Council (PSCOC) seeking funding for a comprehensive rebuild of the Cliff Combined School, located at 622 State Highway 211 in Cliff, New Mexico. The rebuild is essential due to the severe infrastructure deficiencies of the current campus, which was originally constructed in 1936.

The proposed project, estimated at $45,855,464, includes the demolition of several outdated and unsafe buildings, which have long exceeded their expected lifespans. "Cliff Schools are a vital part of our community, and it's essential that we provide our students with a safe and effective learning environment," said William D. Hawkins, Superintendent of Silver Consolidated Schools. "The current facilities are no longer adequate, and this project will ensure that Cliff Schools can continue to serve our students well into the future."

Cliff Schools was ranked #12 on the New Mexico Facilities Assessment Database (NM FAD) when the district began this process over 18 months ago and has since moved up to #11, reflecting the urgent need for these improvements. The school's weighted New Mexico Condition Index (wNMCI) is 59.37%, and the campus Facility Condition Index (FCI) is 71.11%, both of which indicate critical infrastructure needs.

To support the project, the district has passed a General Obligation Bond (GOB) that will provide $25 million in funding for deferred maintenance projects for Silver Schools over the next five years. Due to the estimated $62M in district needs, Silver Consolidated Schools is also requesting a reduction in the local match requirement to ensure the project can move forward without placing undue financial strain on the district. This will allow Silver Schools to tackle other much needed projects in town as well.

"We are committed to doing everything we can to secure the necessary funding and make this project a reality," added Hawkins. "This is about more than just buildings; it's about investing in the future of our students and our community." Silver Schools will be submitting several Letters of Intent by September 30th. The next submission will be a Systems Based Request for Harrison Elementary Campus. These requests are part of our recently accepted Facilities Master Plan approved by our Board of Trustees.