ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Leadership from the 97th Air Mobility Wing and distinguished guests unveiled plans for a brand new, state-of-the-art facility to replace L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School at a ground breaking ceremony July 8, 2025. The new schoolhouse will have improved facilities and the capacity to accommodate more than 600 students.
“We’re very excited that the new building is going to have a storm shelter,” said Roe Worbes, Altus Public Schools superintendent. “A cafeteria much larger than this one, a media center that is going to meet all of our needs, and science technology engineering and math classrooms much larger than what we already have.”
Initially, plans were made to remodel the current schoolhouse, but City of Altus and Altus AFB leaders advocated to officials in Washington, D.C. to construct an entirely new building. Valued at approximately $62 million, the new schoolhouse will be shaped like the U.S. Air Force symbol.
“Everyone in this room is responsible for this,” said Col. Jeff Marshall, former 97th AMW commander. “If our families are taken care of, Airmen can feel free and comfortable doing the mission that they are charged to do.”
The schoolhouse has been in the planning stage for approximately eight years, and is set to be completed in the next two to three years from the date of the ceremony.