School board selects architect to design new middle school

The Clovis Municipal Schools board of education selected an Albuquerque architectural firm Tuesday to design a new $30 million middle school.

The request, presented by Deputy Superintendent of Operations Joel Shirley, ranked 13 architects responding to a bid.

Fanning Bard Tatum Architects, based in Albuquerque, was ranked number one.

The board approved entering into contract negotiations with the firm.

The district is planning to have the new school open for students in 2013.

Shirley said the firm designed Jimmy Carter Middle School in Albuquerque, which is a similar project.

Studio Southwest Architects, Cherry See Reames Architects and Van H. Gilbert Architect were ranked in that order after FBT.

The final process of choosing an architect involves the Public Schools Facilities Authority. Once approved, the state authority will provide 80 percent of the money for the school.

Vice President Mark Lansford said he hoped the firm was chosen on their level of service and ability to stick to the timeline.

Shirley said the firm will evaluate three gifts of land being offered for the new school.

The three plots are north of Llano Estacado Boulevard.