GISD weighs four options for Loma Linda campus, including relocating Anthony Pre-K to save $3M

Gadsden Independent School District staff returned to trustees on Feb. 10 with updated options for the Loma Linda campus after the 2025-26 school year.

Associate Superintendent Cadena outlined four scenarios: (1) relocate Anthony Pre-K to Loma Linda for the 2026-27 school year with minimal modifications (new playground equipment for 3- to 5-year-olds estimated at $240,000) and avoid constructing a new Anthony Pre-K, saving roughly $3 million in district/state match; (2) relocate Alta Vista Early College to Loma Linda, which would require building certified biology and chemistry labs with an estimated cost of $827,700 to meet DACC/NMSU specifications; (3) partner with Roadrunner Food Bank to create a central community food-bank store on the campus; or (4) leave the facility vacant (least desirable because of deterioration and vandalism risk).

Cadena also presented a long-term option to build a new Anthony Pre-K on an 8.5-acre tract north of Loma Linda, but that would require a traffic study (budgetary estimate ~$35,000) and an estimated total cost of about $13 million, with a district match between approximately $3 million and $3.9 million. Staff said the Loma Linda move could free space for district training and better integration of programs.

Board members questioned lab-specification needs for Alta Vista, the traffic implications of new construction and whether Alta Vista should have a standalone campus or share space at Gadsden High School. Cadena said some Alta Vista program labs would still require certified construction costs even if the program moved to another Gadsden campus.

No final decision was made; staff will return with further details and any required studies (survey/traffic) and cost estimates.