Ridgway School District is asking for feedback on its master plan, featuring options for improvements to buildings. A virtual open house with the options and a survey for participants is open until Nov. 29.
This survey comes a year after another survey, which identified priorities including improvements in the elementary building’s electrical systems and HVAC and to modernize the building for better learning experiences.
Last year’s survey respondents also indicated they wanted an athletics tr...
Ridgway School District is asking for feedback on its master plan, featuring options for improvements to buildings. A virtual open house with the options and a survey for participants is open until Nov. 29.
This survey comes a year after another survey, which identified priorities including improvements in the elementary building’s electrical systems and HVAC and to modernize the building for better learning experiences.
Last year’s survey respondents also indicated they wanted an athletics track and a solar panel project at the secondary building.
Based on these responses, the district hired RTA Architects to develop options for the buildings. Option i for the elementary building would cost S7 million. It would include improving the HVAC and electrical systems and an update of the building’s aesthetics while improving the safety, security and function of the building.
This lower-cost option would be the least disruptive to school operations and would meet maintenance needs of the building while allowing for more outdoor space and increased security. There would not be a change in vehicle traffic flow, which has been a source of concern among parents and staff.
The second option, costing more than twice as much at an estimated $15 million, would include all of the Option i plans and also reconfigure spaces, allowing two classrooms for each grade level and more flexible space. The plan would consolidate the office spaces, resulting in a more controlled building entrance. It would also separate personal vehicle traffic from bus traffic to improve drop-off safety and efficiency.
The more expensive option would require grant funding and an increase in taxes. It would also require temporary classrooms in modulars for up to a year during the construction.
Proposed updates to the secondary building would cost $2.7 million. The plan includes solar panels on the gymnasium, improvements to the commons area, replacement of the roof and carpet and a J-shaped running track.
According to the cons section of the plan, funding the secondary building upgrades could reduce the chances of increasing teacher salaries and the track would not be able to host meets.
After receiving feedback from the survey, which is open until Nov. 29, the school board will meet Dec. io to approve an option for each building. The district intends to apply for a Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant administered by the Colorado Department of Education for the project. The district will know whether or not they have received the grant before the 2021 election, when the district plans to ask taxpayers to continue the current school bond measure. An increase in the mill levy would be required for the 115 million option.
Part of the reason for the feedback survey is to gauge support for a new bond. The virtual open house can be viewed at: https://rtaaithitects.com/fidgway-master-plan-digital-open-house. The website has a link to the survey.
During a board meeting last week, Superintendent Susan Lacy showed the board how she was able to allocate CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funds to budget items and reduce the school’s deficit.
The board discussed an application process for teacher sabbaticals and will likely have a document for approval on the agenda of their next meeting Nov. 19.
The board also discussed a problem securing enough substitute teachers, which board President Greg Lawler said is one of the main reasons other schools in the region have had to transition to remote learning.