Sierra Sands Celebrates Grand Opening of Richmond Elementary After Years of Setbacks

The Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD) in Ridgecrest cut the ribbon Tuesday morning on its new Richmond Elementary School. School staff, military officials, local leaders, and community members all celebrated the legacy of the beloved institution while bringing it into the future. 

“This is a momentous occasion,” said Superintendent Dr. April Moore during the ceremony. “This building is not just made of bricks and mortar. It stands because of your passion, your commitment, and your care for our families.”

The original Richmond Elementary School opened in 1953 on the grounds of Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. This large military installation supports research and development programs for the US Navy. For decades, the school has served the children of military families and local residents alike. 

In 2019, a devastating earthquake struck Ridgecrest, causing significant damage to several school buildings, including Richmond, which was subsequently condemned. All the students had to be moved to a swing campus to continue their education. As school and district leaders collaborated with the naval station on plans and grant proposals to build a new campus, the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, prompting lockdowns and halting their plans. Then, in 2023, Tropical Storm Hilary caused flooding and significant water damage throughout the community, putting plans on hold yet again.

“It’s been a matter of one step at a time and dealing with delay after delay,” Dr. Moore said. “We’ve had a fantastic team to help us keep going.”

The school is located on military property just outside the gates of the naval base. The partnership between the base and the town is one of mutual benefit, with everyone supporting each other. 

“We have a great deal of thanks for the support we get from the Navy and the Department of Defense in meeting the needs of our students,” said SSUSD board member Bill Farris. “Our community and the base have an amazing relationship, but the degree of support we’ve gotten on this kind of a project is really stellar.”

Thanks to a federal grant, the Department of Defense provided 80 percent of the funding for the new school’s construction. The other 20 percent was provided by local facilities funds and state matching funds through the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC).

“Their support for public schools on military installations made this project possible,” said Dr. Moore. “That contribution is a testament to the importance of providing stability and excellence in education for those who serve our country.”

Now, six years and millions of dollars later, and after tremendous effort, the school is ready to open. Captain Warren Van Allen, with NAWS – China Lake, who gave the keynote address, has three children attending Richmond. He says not only does the new facility challenge kids to be their best selves, it also brings peace of mind to parents like him, who are doing the hard work serving our country.

“Priority one is knowing that my kids’ education is going to be first rate,” Captain Van Allen said. “Without the peace of mind of having quality facilities and quality people caring for our kids, it’s impossible to bring your best self to what is extremely demanding work.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony included a presentation of certificates from the offices of state representatives, addresses from school and naval officials, a performance by the Richmond student choir, a tour of the campus led by teachers, and a flag-raising ceremony using a flag previously flown at our nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. 

“May this flag fly proudly over Richmond Elementary School, symbolizing everything we stand for: perseverance, excellence, and an unbreakable commitment to our students,” Dr. Moore said.

Over the summer, teachers and school officials will begin the work of relocating everything from the temporary campus to Richmond. Classes will start for TK through sixth-grade students in the fall.

“My most sincere thank you is to the teachers who will mentor and inspire my kids,” Captain Van Allen said. “The staff and care professionals, the counselors, the maintenance team, the leadership team, the principal, who will all leverage this new school to prepare fine young men and women for a life in which they will continue to better this community, their country, and this world.”