I live here in Cortez, we love this community, our kids go to school here, and my husband teaches here. I recently read the article in the Cortez Journal, “Budget, asbestos complicate schools’ vow to remove old school,” (Aug. 12). I was discouraged how members of the council were so upset over the old high school not being destroyed. Are we so short-sighted to not see the opportunity that awaits there?
The stage area is perfectly usable space that could be opened up to more events for our community. Why, also, could we not see the potential of adult education classes or after-school activities that could be housed there? Art classes! Community band, orchestra, choral, French classes, gym space, community sports: The list goes on. There is so much usable space in that building!
Yes, there is asbestos in the building, but no one seemed to care that much for the past 20+ years while students roamed the halls. It seems so wasteful and silly that City Council members are claiming everyone has been “duped” into a scheme to get a new high school when the old one is not torn to the ground. I urge everyone to see the opportunity in the situation and make the most of it. Our district is poor. Our teachers get paid very little. Why are members so bent on wasting $1.5 million to destroy a usable building? (The new high school wasn’t even able to raise enough funds to complete the stadium.) If we could raise $1.5 million, wouldn’t you prefer spending it on our students and our future? See the opportunity and make the most of it.
Corinne Sandner
Cortez