Elementary school will close in Colorado Springs

Helen Hunt Elementary, a 114-year-old building in Colorado Springs, will close at the end of this school year.

The decision was made by the District 11 school board last week.

The District 11 school board voted to close Helen Hunt Elementary because the building needs an estimated $14 million worth of repairs.

“It’s such a huge cornerstone in this community,” said Julie Wilson, who lives steps away from the school.

The building isn’t lacking in character, but it does lack a few other things.

“Sometimes our heaters don’t work and we have to use a stick to get it to turn on regularly. The kids notice it, they wear their mittens in the morning,” said third grade teacher, Laura Troutman.

Troutman says the many stair cases are difficult to navigate for staff and students. The split campus is also a security concern. furthermore, the internet often doesn’t work in the facility.

“We need to let these kids know that they’re important. At the end of the day this is what’s best for the kids,” said parent Robert Mizell.

The school is located in a low-income area. People living nearby are worried that its closure could mean a big hit to the community.

“In a neighborhood that has a bad reputation, it is a beautiful building. This closure, while it may be good for the kids, it’s up in the air for the rest of us. We’re very unsure about what the future may hold,” said Wilson.

“If this place is shuttered and vacant, we’re worried about our property value,” Wilson said.

Neighbors worry a building with so much history will be left empty. The school board says it wants to re-purpose the school into some kind of “community resource.”

As for the 400 students who currently attend, they will be bused to John Adams Elementary, a new facility that’s currently empty