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School district seeks input on three options for school construction

Teresa Ristow

— Steamboat Springs School District officials are hoping to receive substantial community input on three options for school construction under consideration to address increasing enrollment.

Superintendent Brad Meeks said it’s important for local residents to get involved in the process, as school buildings are public and belong to the community.

“These are the community’s schools,” Meeks said. “While we’re fortunate enough to be able to work in the district and work with students and staff, these are public facilities owned by the community.”



Meeks said district officials are doing the best they can to make the community aware of the condition of the buildings and the district’s needs, but said it’s up to the public to decide what solution they support.

“We’re reporting out to the public the state of our facilities and what the needs are, but really we want to get enough information out to the public so they can make a decision, or make a recommendation to the district,” Meeks said.



There are three upcoming meetings where members of the public can share their input on the options for school construction the district is considering.

• A facilities master planning meeting with the district-hired architect and district administration will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at Strawberry Park Elementary, 39620 Amethyst Drive.

• A school board work session will begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 18 at the district office boardroom, 325 Seventh St. A public comment period occurs at the beginning of the meeting.

• A school board meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 1 at the district office boardroom, 325 Seventh St. A public comment period occurs at the beginning of the meeting.

Those who can’t attend a meeting are encouraged to submit their comments to district officials in another way.

Input can be sent view email to facilities@ssk12.org.

Architect Matt Porta of SlaterPaull/HCM and engineer Jeff Chamberlin of RLH Engineering are expected to make a recommendation of a preferred option to the school board June 15, and Meeks said between now and then is an ideal time for community members to provide their input.

“The more people that are involved, the greater likelihood that we’re going to make a better decision,” Meeks said. “We want to make sure that the final decision we make makes sense and can be supported by the community.”

Readers can also participate in a Steamboat Pilot & Today poll about the three options at http://www.steamboattoday.com/polls.

To reach Teresa Ristow, call 970-871-4206, email tristow@SteamboatToday.com or follow her on Twitter @TeresaRistow


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