Wherry Elementary highlights major upgrades, renovations

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Wherry Elementary recently underwent a major overhaul and rebuild, and is now reaping the rewards of years of construction. The public was shown the newly remodeled school at a “grand reopening” Aug. 31. 

In 2011, officials from Albuquerque Public Schools and Kirtland were invited to attend a conference in Washington D.C., where they met before members of the Office of Economic Adjustment to discuss requirements for improving the condition of the school, as there was money for distribution to address facility deficiencies of public schools on military institutions. 

The OEA conducted facility condition assessment surveys and rated qualifying. Wherry placed 11th on a priority list of these schools. In 2014, Albuquerque Public Schools received a $16.25 million grant from the Department of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjustment for repairs to Wherry Elementary. The grant, along with $5.5 million matching funds from APS, was used to rebuild Wherry’s deteriorating facilities and improve the educational experience for the approximately 500 children who attend the school.

The construction was done in two phases.  The first phase was the construction of a 13,806 square foot new general education classroom block and a new music and art classrooms. Phase 2 was 47,000 square foot new construction and 10,892 square feet renovation, including rebuilding 18 classrooms, a library, administration offices, a teachers’ workroom, computer labs, renovation of the gymnasium, cafeteria and kitchen, and a new multipurpose room.

Col. Richard Gibbs, 377th Air Base Wing commander, address attendees of the grand reopening. He said the base was excited for what the new construction will mean to the students and staff.  He said he was especially excited about one of the “shining stars” of the project, the building of a library that the base community will share with the school.

“Kirtland closed the doors to its library about five years ago and it has been missed,” Gibbs said. “We are thrilled to share Wherry's new, modern library, where young minds can go to read and learn. This new library will be accessible to anyone with base access, and will be a great asset for our children and the Kirtland community.” 

Wherry principal Aimee Sewell said Wherry students “absolutely love our new building.”

“I see them walking through the halls with pride,” she said. “Not only is it safer than the old building and portables, but it’s brighter and bigger, which enriches our students’ learning environment.”