Pueblo City Schools looking into possible school closures

Pueblo City Schools have updated their policies when it comes to school closures. One board member tells KRDO they may utilize it sooner than later.

District 60 officials say it’s uncommon for a district of its size to have so many schools and buildings. Two of the biggest reasons for looking at closures is because the district has seen a trend of smaller enrollment numbers over the years, and an older infrastructure at some of the schools.

“This is a must. It’s absolutely essential,” said D60 School board member Dennis Maes, when asked if they really need to look into school closures or consolidation.

“There is no reason for us to sidestep this, and I know it’s awfully difficult for us to talk about school closures. I understand that but it’s also our responsibility to make sure we are running the district in the best way that we possibly can,” said Maes.

Under the district’s new school closure policy, the Superintendent, board members, and staff will all look at the following: a schools enrollment numbers, infrastructure, educational success, building capacity, as well as the cost to upkeep the building.

If a school is being considered by the district for closure, parents, and employees will be notified. They can give their own input at school board meetings. Maes says the board will not come to any closure or consolidation decision without extensive input from parents and employees.

“If we are going to make a change, it is important they have an idea in what’s going to take place if there is a decision made to consolidate or close schools,” said Maes.

For now, D60 staff is working on a report dealing with each and every school on issues pertaining to the closure criteria. They will present those findings to the board.

Maes says he hopes to continue these conversations at future meetings. He also hopes the board will make a decision on this issue by the end of this school year.

As for teachers and employees working at the schools if a school were to close it wouldn’t necessarily mean they would all lose their jobs. They could be asked to change schools.

Maes says the district would still want to keep the teacher-student ratio low. At this time, no school has been identified as a candidate for closure.