Completion of Hoover, John Baker Projects Sets Tone for Students

Capital improvements provide more comfortable spaces.

The corner of Albuquerque near Comanche and Tramway was a flurry of activity for more than a year, as far as school construction is concerned. Now, students at Hoover Middle School and John Baker Elementary have new and improved spaces in which to learn and succeed on the adjacent campuses. 

Funding from bond sales and mill levies, which were approved by Albuquerque voters, sent the two separate projects forward. At Hoover, a cafeteria and kitchen renovation gave students a boost. Upgrades to the gym and locker rooms also were appreciated. 

“Our remodeled cafeteria and gym area give our students more modern, safe and visually pleasing places to eat and to learn,” Hoover Principal Kathy Alexander said. “Students are proud to host events in the gym. They are also comfortable coming into the cafeteria before school to study and visit with friends.” 

At John Baker, the whole school looks different. APS rebuilt almost the entire school on a budget of a little under $3.5 million, with classroom renovations and additions, a new art room and playground improvements. The school opened in 1970, four years after Hoover. 

The Hoover upgrades were budgeted at about $1.2 million, funds well spent when considering what it’s done for all its students. 

“This project affected every member of the Hoover community,” Alexander said.