Editor:
I have some questions about the proposed new facility for our high school students. I have not made adecisions about my vote, nor have I any wish to debate the issues I bring up, I only want answers, true answers to my questions. I am merely exercising my right to Freedom of Speech and my right to my own opinion. I respect the rights of others in this same manner.
My questions about the proposed facility are:
The present lunch facility and menu do not meet the needs of the students. There is not enough seating and the area is multi-use. Menu is not to their liking. Will this change in the new facility to accommodate the whole student body? Will the students be allowed to choose the menu?
The class room size is said to change to allow for more students. How have you arrived at the number of students in our community? It seems lower than the facility we have now. What happens if the area grows, as many would like it to? Do we have to build another facility to accommodate the growth? What if there is a decline in numbers due to families moving , more dropouts ( which is already too high) or no growth in the area? Will we have a partial building standing empty, yet paying taxes, utilities, etc., as it deteriorates?
Finally, there are count days which is the bases for PPOR. If I remember correcting, a home school student can assess any class or activity in our public schools in Colorado. If we have this facility, a class is full and a home school student wants into the class, who gets priority? These students are not included in the PPOR count days, so where does the funds and liability come from if they access public schools?
Please have your gentle readers give some thought to these questions and perhaps there is someone who can answer back in your paper for all to hear.
Judi Lichliter
Cortez
Via email
Editors note: The new facility will be designed to offer a modern food court experience for students and staff. It will be sized to accommodate all students and will offer a variety of options. Student input will be seriously considered when determining the healthy breakfast and lunch options.
The reason classroom size is being increased is not to accommodate more students but to provide the necessary space to implement 21st century instructional methods. These strategies involve more technology, collaborative learning, and problem-based activities all of which require students to spread out, move around, and work in teams. Traditional sized classrooms, where students sit in neat rows and listen to teachers lecture, dont allow for this type of instruction.
The current enrollment at M-CHS is 653 full and part-time students. The new facility will be built for 725 students. This allows for up to 12 percent growth in student population. The Region 9 impact study indicates that the regional growth rate is predicted to be relatively flat over the foreseeable future. Should there be unexpected growth, however, the facility will be designed to allow for expansion of classroom space without being disruptive to ongoing school operations. It is not fiscally responsible to overbuild and then be forced to heat, cool and maintain unneeded space.
Home-schooled students are welcome to access classes and activities at Montezuma-Cortez High School, and indeed already do. These students generate revenue as part-time students. If there is a section that is over enrolled, these students are treated just as any other student. Such instances are very rare.
More information is available by calling Becky Brunk at 799-1567 or Orly Lucero at 565-1128
