Editor:
Our community has a one time opportunity to build the safe, 21st Century high school we need at half the cost. It is an opportunity to make a firm commitment to education and our students both now and in the future.
This building project will infuse $42 million into local economy, with $22.7 million being Front Range money given through the BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) Grant Program.
RE-1 School District was awarded the BEST grant because the Colorado Department of Education agreed with the analyses of experts and the district. In summary, MCHS has numerous security and health hazards as well as educational environment issues that must be remedied within the next 1-5 years. These affect the very safety and education of our students now and for years to come!
The following list explains some of the problems facing the current facility:
Serious security issues: 21 exterior entry doors with no alarms or centralized monitoring
Lack of fire safety controls
Hazardous materials: mercury in flooring and asbestos tiles
Numerous roof problems and leaks
Seriously deficient HVAC systems
No fully accessible handicapped bathrooms
Technology and electrical systems unable to adequately support 21st Century learning needs and curriculum
Current MCHS site is greatly undersized and inadequate for athletic and extracurricular activities
In order to utilize this grant, we need bond approval through a yes vote on 3B. Without this approval, we lose the grant and the cost will double!
For approximately $2/month per $100,000 of residential market value we can build for our future.
We are devoted to this effort because we believe in our students and our community. This is a one time chance to meet a crucial need at half price and we believe it is the right thing to do.
To learn more go to: www.MCHSbond.com. You can also arrange for a group presentation or tour the high school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. by calling Becky Brunk, 799-1567, or Orly Lucero, 565-1128.
Orly Lucero
Becky Brunk
Co-Chairmen
Cortez 21st Century High School Committee
