The city of Cortez Planning and Zoning Commission recently heard a proposal by the Children’s Kiva Montessori School to create both temporary and permanent changes to the zoned parking on N. Beech and North streets, allowing the school to occupy the building currently known as the Art Collaborative along with the building across the street. The Children’s Kiva Montessori School is a public charter school authorized under RE-1 school district.
The school’s mission is a community-based educational approach integrating Montessori-based curriculum supplemented with extra emphasis on science, technology, engineering, art and math. The school will be in its second year with an estimated enrollment of 90 students.
Last year 62 percent of parents collectively performed more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service to the school. The school formed partnerships with local businesses. The collaborative efforts of these organizations accelerated the real world application of the science, technology, engineering, art and math skills of the students. These partnerships continue to be successful marketing strategies for the business partners.
The city Planning and Zoning committee rejected the school’s proposal based upon concerns over parking. The proposal will eliminate three parking spots on N. Beech Street in order to create a cross walk. Restricted parking during drop off and pick up hours will be enforced on North Street to facilitate traffic flow.
This will be for a limited time and have minimal impact on the available parking. The increased flow of pedestrian and vehicle traffic opens new and increased opportunity for commerce. The school continues to seek out new business partners; the proposed location of the school places it in an ideal location to do just that with the businesses surrounding the school. What an opportunity for both parties!
Successful schools create strong economies and communities. The city has the opportunity to facilitate these positive changes for Cortez by supporting the Children’s Kiva Montessori School’s proposal. What is more important convenient parking or improved education?
Steven & Cari Spoonemore
Cortez
