Could some schools be closing? Pueblo School District 60 announces decision to “right size”

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - KRDO13 is pushing for clarity after D60 announced to media outlets Thursday night they would be deciding to "right size" the district after declining enrollment and unstable funding resources.

The district says that most of the buildings in the district are only at 66% capacity.

"On average, District 60 buildings are only at 66% of their total capacity for enrollment, which causes already limited resources to be spread across schools instead of allowing the district to pool resources to better serve students. Additionally, some aging buildings may not be configured to provide the unique and innovative instructional programs that would better serve students. Finally, Pueblo District 60, like districts across the state, is faced with a lack of predictable revenue, further compounding budgetary implications of declining enrollment."

-- District 60 Spokesperson

Pueblo D60 has specifically seen a 12% decline in enrollment over the past five years. To top it off, the state of Colorado has to make up a $1 billion deficit in the state budget. Some people are worried those cuts could come from education. 

"This could devastate many districts, and many of our smaller rural districts especially," said Tracie Rainey with the School Finance Project. "The message that I've been sending out is make your voice heard.  Speak with the board. Speak with the superintendent."

We reached out to Governor Jared Polis's Office, which sent the following statement:

“Governor Polis is a long-time education leader who has made historic investments in Colorado’s education funding while serving as Governor. Governor Polis is committed to ensuring those historic education investments support actual students where they are learning and that’s exactly what his budget proposal does, while increasing education funding by $138 million in a challenging budget year. A multi-year enrollment count diverts funding away from real students to empty chairs, and in a difficult budget environment every state dollar must be invested in students and educators to enhance outcomes.”

-Spokesperson with Governor Polis's Office

As for Pueblo D60, The process for deciding how to reduce the district's expenses will include a Superintendent's Advisory Committee made up of stakeholders and multiple brainstorming sessions including the community. The final proposal to the district board is due in October of this year.

"Those options will include brainstorming around considerations to redesign schools and existing grade level structures, co-locate schools into the same facility, merge and/or relocate programs, and/or consolidate/close schools, all with the intent to enhance educational opportunities and programs for our district’s students," read a statement.

The schedule for brainstorming sessions is below:

• March 3, 5:30-7 p.m. at Central High School. Group 1: Bessemer Academy, Columbian, Minnequa, Heritage, Corwin
• March 4, 5:30-7 p.m. at East. Group 2: Haaff, Franklin, Belmont, Heaton
• March 10, 5:30-7 p.m. at South. Group 3: South Park, Highland Park, Beulah Heights
• March 12, 5:30-7 p.m. at South. Group 4: D60 Online, Dutch Clark Digital/Paragon, Goodnight, Sunset Park, Pueblo Academy of Arts
• March 17, 5:30-7 p.m. at East. Group 5: Risley, Bradford, Park View, Fountain, Baca
• March 18, 5:30-7 p.m. at Centennial. Group 6: Irving, Nettie S. Freed, Morton

If you are a D60 parent, KRDO13 wants to hear from you. Email us at news@krdo.com.

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