The Archuleta School District (ASD) Master Plan Advisory Committee (MPAC) recently discussed the pros and cons of a major renovation versus constructing a new building for the district’s master facilities plan.
Representatives from RTA Architects, as well as ASD Superintendent Rick Holt and MPAC chair Lisa Scott, facilitated the most recent committee meeting held on Monday, Feb. 24, in which committee members discussed in groups the pros and cons of either a major renovation or a new construction project.
Scott clarified that the MPAC is an advisory group, and that the ASD Board of Education will make the final decision as to what the district will pursue in terms of a renovation or new construction project and the appropriate funding needed.
“We are an advisory committee to the school board,” Scott said, explaining the committee’s purpose through the end of this spring is to “understand the status of our school facilities and the options for … remedies. These buildings are old — doesn’t mean they’re horrible — but we do seriously need some remedies.”
Scott encouraged committee members to view the project through a lens that addresses the district as a whole while being totally student-focused and “providing an optimal learning environment for our students.”
Some of the comments for pros of a renovation project included a less expensive upfront cost, though that was countered by some comments that hidden costs in a renovation project may not be cheaper over time compared to a new build.
Doug Abernethy of RTA noted that the ability to mitigate some health factors associated with a renovation dealing with things like asbestos “can’t be known completely upfront.”
Other comments supporting a renovation referred to the sentimental value of historic buildings in the district, particularly at the middle school, while others also added the geothermal access at the middle school could be used for utility purposes.
Cons for a renovation expressed by multiple committee members surrounded the security and safety issues with a school located directly next to a major highway, with one member noting it is a “huge risk for young kids to be along a major highway.”
Others noted the lack of field access at the middle school, with kids having to cross U.S. 160 to use the town’s park for their field, as a major con.
Committee members also mentioned that a renovation may be “more achievable” financially and that there is room for expansion at the high school.
Worries expressed about a renovation project at the middle school included concerns about what would happen if the “bones are no good” and the district then being forced to come up with another plan.
Another major con of a renovation mentioned multiple times was the disruption of students and having classes displaced or relocated for potentially multiple school years.
One consideration of having a new facility constructed discussed by committee members focused on the value of intentional design, whether that be to ease traffic and congestion with safe pickup and drop-off areas, or having classrooms that meet current educational standards.
Others also commented in favor of a campus-style facility with middle school and elementary school facilities being constructed near the current high school.
Energy efficiency was also considered to be a pro for new construction, with the ability to install zero-energy efficient appliances, cutting utility costs for the district.
“I personally like the idea of schools together,” one committee member commented.
The economic impact a new facility could have on the community was also discussed, with committee members noting that by having more desirable teaching spaces, it may help the district recruit and maintain quality educators.
One committee member also mentioned that new, quality facilities may also encourage “pride in schools,” while another member added that new construction gives the district the ability to become more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Brian Calhoun with RTA explained that the MPAC work will be finished this spring and a master plan report will be given to the ASD board which will include recommendations derived from community engagement.
He explained the “next steps” include looking at funding options and implementation of the project.
Calhoun explained whether the district chooses to pursue a new build or a renovation, it will likely be about four years from now before a new or renovated facility would open.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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