08/03/2026
Congratulations to WNMU alumnus Will Tracy on making New Mexico history!
Tracy, who earned his Educational Leadership degree from WNMU and serves as Director of Aldo Leopold Charter School, recently led the school to become the first charter school in New Mexico to successfully complete the Charter School Revolving Loan Fund process with the purchase of the Jose Barrios building in Silver City.
We're proud to celebrate this milestone that reflects vision, leadership, and commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students and future Mustangs.
This past week, Silver Consolidated Schools officially closed another important chapter in our district’s history by signing the final documents transferring ownership of the Jose Barrios Elementary School Campus to Aldo Leopold Charter School.
The closing marks the completion of a process that has taken both patience and commitment of many people working toward a common goal. With the paperwork finalized and the keys officially handed over, the campus is well underway to begin serving a new generation of students.
I want to recognize Aldo Leopold Charter School Director Will Tracy for his steadfastness throughout this lengthy process. Securing financing for a permanent school facility required navigating extensive state review, documentation, and financial requirements. Through his persistence, Aldo Leopold was able to secure financing through New Mexico’s Charter School Revolving Loan Fund, administered by the New Mexico Finance Authority in partnership with the New Mexico Public Education Department, making this purchase possible.
As we have been told, this achievement represents two significant firsts for New Mexico. Aldo Leopold Charter School is believed to be the first charter school in the state to successfully complete the Charter School Revolving Loan Fund process and secure financing through the program to purchase a permanent campus. Likewise, Silver Consolidated Schools is believed to be the first public school district in New Mexico to sell a public school campus to a charter school.
While our organizations have different governance structures, we share a common purpose: providing outstanding educational opportunities for the children of Grant County. We are pleased that this campus will continue serving students for years to come rather than sitting vacant. One thoughtful gesture throughout this process has been Aldo Leopold Charter School’s intention to retain the Jose Barrios name on the building, recognizing the generations of students, families, and educators who have been part of its rich history.
Congratulations to Will Tracy, the Aldo Leopold Charter School Board of Directors, their staff, students, and families on reaching this significant milestone. We wish them every success as the former Jose Barrios Elementary School begins its next chapter serving students in our community.
