The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District (PBTISD) marked a significant milestone in its ongoing districtwide construction initiative with the Beam Topping Ceremony for Crockett Middle School. The event celebrated the placement of the final steel beam, symbolizing progress, community, and the future of education in Pecos.
Superintendent of Schools, Brent Jaco, addressed students, staff, and community members during the ceremony, describing the occasion as a moment of pride for all who call themselves Crockett Eagles.
“Today is a great day to be an Eagle,” said Jaco. “Each topping ceremony represents progress, hope, and a shared commitment to building the future of public education in PBTISD.”
The event brought together members of the PBTISD Board of Trustees, representatives from VLK Architects, the BTC Construction team, local elected officials, and community stakeholders. Jaco extended appreciation to all partners for their collaboration and vision throughout the design and construction process.
Designed by VLK Architects, the new Crockett Middle School campus will feature a variety of innovative learning spaces tailored to how students learn today—and how they will continue to learn in the years ahead. The campus includes:
A two-story academic building with modern classrooms and collaborative learning areas.
A centrally located library that serves as a hub for research, reading, and collaboration.
Expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms to help students begin exploring future careers at an early age.
New fine arts spaces for band, choir, and theater programs.
Renovated and expanded athletic facilities to support student wellness and school spirit.
A cafeteria with a performance platform, creating a flexible space for events and student showcases.
Designated Exchange and Think Spaces to encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
An outdoor garden space dedicated to Crockett’s well-loved turtle habitat.
A second-floor science balcony featuring two slides, blending fun and learning in a way that reflects the district’s unique approach to student engagement.
Outside the building, improvements include redesigned traffic lanes for safer drop-off and pick-up, expanded bus routes, and additional parking for staff and visitors.
As with previous PBTISD projects, students, teachers, and administrators played a key role in shaping the design of the new campus.
“This campus will not only reflect what our students need—it will reflect who they are,” Jaco shared. “Their voices shaped every hallway, every classroom, every collaborative corner of this school.”
During the ceremony, guests and students left their mark on the final steel beam before it was raised into place. Following traditional construction practices, the beam featured three symbolic elements: an evergreen tree, representing a safe and successful completion; an American flag, signifying loyalty and unity; and a Pecos Eagle flag, celebrating the community’s enduring spirit and pride.
Jaco concluded the ceremony with a message of gratitude and optimism.
“To our Eagles, this is for you,” Jaco said. “This building was designed to support your curiosity, creativity, and dreams. To our families, staff, and community—thank you for your ongoing support of our mission. This beam, this building, and this day are reminders that great things are happening in PBTISD.”
The new Crockett Middle School campus is one of several major construction projects funded through the 2023 Bond, approved by voters to address facility needs across the district. The project is part of PBTISD’s continued effort to provide modern, safe, and innovative spaces that inspire and empower excellence for all students.
Crockett Middle School is projected to be completed by January 2027. You can watch an animation of the new CMS on the PBTISD YouTube page.