Kearny Construction Update

Kearny Construction Update

We are thrilled to announce that Phase 1a of the Kearny School rehabilitation is officially complete! Despite post-pandemic inflation, tariffs, and rising construction costs, we stabilized the beloved, nearly 90-year-old Public Works Administration 1936 building. This critical $2.3 million milestone, made possible by New Mexico State Capital Outlay, a Congressionally directed spending request championed by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, and an EDA Grant, secured the building's structural future. Completed work includes:

Core Stabilization: The foundation of the original 1936 building was stabilized, completely leveled, and secured. All the original brickwork was cleaned, and broken and damaged bricks were replaced.
Weatherization & Systems: Comprehensive roof and drainage repairs; all broken windows have new glass, and all exterior doors were replaced; a new gas line and water heaters were installed.
Interior Prep: Removal of asbestos, demolition of uneven and damaged floors and walls, along with their reconstruction (with no finishes), one complete set of bathroom renovations, and painting of east and south hallways, and the XR Training Classroom.

What’s Next? With the building structurally sound, we are launching directly into Phase 1b, which will focus on transforming the old gymnasium into a production soundstage, upgrading the electrical system, completing life safety and security upgrades, and restoring the exterior of the non-brick additions. The City of Raton is also waiting on an additional grant to replace the old boiler system.

In the meantime, our off-site educational programs with local partners like Raton Public Schools and Zia Youth continue to thrive, preparing our students to step right in when the doors officially open.

Film Prize Jr. and Cyber Security Youth Classes Are Returning Soon

Keep an eye out for our youth classes running on Fridays starting after Labor Day! El Raton Media Works is thrilled to announce the upcoming return of our youth educational programming! Keep an eye out for our Film Prize Jr. and Cybersecurity classes, which will run on Friday afternoons.

Whether you have an aspiring filmmaker or a future tech expert in the family, these programs offer fantastic hands-on experience. If you or a youth you know are interested in attending one of these programs, please email us with any questions at info@elratonmediaworks.org.

Casting Call for Seniors!

We're filming seniors sharing their tech stories as part of the AARP Community Challenge Program

The Tech Assistance program, which meets on Thursdays from 1 - 3 PM at the Senior Center in Raton, has been running for nearly two months and is available free of charge to Raton citizens over 50 for the remainder of 2026.

We're looking for Seniors to participate in our video series as part of the project. The first filming date is scheduled for October 2. Please let us know if you would like to participate in creating videos to help future tech help seekers.

Those interested in participating should email info@elratonmediaworks.org to express interest in the program.

Join Us at the Raton Economic Summit

The event will run on September 29th and 30th, with a special Rural Film Roundtable Discussion
happening on Wednesday from 12 PM - 3 PM.

This free, two-day Summit will bring together business owners, employers, educators, community leaders, economic development professionals, elected officials, and regional partners from northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado. Attendees will have opportunities to make valuable connections, learn about resources and initiatives, and participate in conversations about the future of our regional economy.

Space is limited, so please register today and share this invitation with colleagues, businesses, organizations, and community members who would benefit from attending.

New Film Festival Debuting in Raton in January

he inaugural American West Film Fest, headed by our Board Member, Elizabeth Holloway, is officially coming to Raton, New Mexico, culminating in an annual live screening event at the Isabel Castillo Performing Arts Center on January 16, 2027, and will be free for the public.

Those wanting to submit projects to the festival can do so on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/AmericanWestFilmFest. Use the promo code RATONFILM at checkout to get 75% off your submission fee for the first 20 submitters!

Visit awfilmfest.com