With hard hats on and shovels in hand, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD (PBTISD) officially broke ground today on the future of Crockett Middle School, marking the next phase of its districtwide commitment to modern, student-centered facilities.
Superintendent Brent Jaco addressed a crowd of school leaders, project partners, community stakeholders, and students during the groundbreaking event, emphasizing that this milestone represents more than the start of construction—it’s the continuation of a promise.
“This groundbreaking is not just the start of a construction project—it is the continuation of a promise to our students, our families, and our community that PBTISD is committed to progress, innovation, and providing facilities that support our staff and every student’s journey,” said Superintendent Jaco.
The new Crockett Middle School is a key project within the 2023 Bond package approved by voters in May 2023. Built in 1962, the original CMS building served generations of Pecos students. With the support of the community and vision from the PBTISD Board of Trustees, the updated facility will better meet the evolving educational needs of students.
Designed in partnership with VLK Architects and constructed by BTC, the new CMS campus will include:
A two-story academic building
An expanded library at the heart of the campus
Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms
New fine arts spaces, including band, choir, and theater
Renovated and expanded athletic facilities
A cafeteria with a performance platform
Collaborative “Exchange and Think” spaces
A garden area for the beloved CMS turtles
Improved site features, including new drop-off and pick-up lanes, an expanded bus lane, and additional parking
In true PBTISD fashion, the design process was driven by input from those who will use the campus every day—teachers, students, and administrators. The collaborative approach ensures that the facility reflects how students learn today and will continue to learn in the years ahead.
Since launching a multi-phase facilities improvement plan four years ago, the district has seen the transformation of campuses across the district, including Zavala and Austin Elementary. With today’s groundbreaking, Crockett Middle School becomes the latest campus to be reimagined for the future.
“These projects symbolize much more than bricks and mortar,” Jaco continued. “They are a testament to our community’s belief in the power of education and opportunity. They represent our shared vision of providing state-of-the-art spaces where students can thrive academically, athletically, and personally.”
The future Crockett Middle School campus will stand as a beacon of opportunity, discovery, and growth for generations to come.
“Middle school is a time of exploration and preparation for what lies ahead,” said Jaco. “This campus will give our students the space and tools to stretch their thinking, explore their passions, and build the confidence to succeed—whatever their futures may hold.”
As PBTISD continues to transform its learning environments districtwide, today’s event serves as a reminder of what is possible when a community believes in its students and invests in their success.
The new Crockett Middle School is scheduled for completion in Winter 2027. Watch the animation video of the new campus here.