The Montezuma-Cortez Re-1 School Board held a board retreat Friday, Jan. 20. The retreat allowed board members, district teachers and residents to address and comment on issues in an open format while providing ample time to examine agenda topics.
Significant time was spent discussing the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant application and the March 2 deadline. The BEST grant program is cost-share, and would require the school district to nearly match any awarded funds. Re-1s initial application last summer was aimed at almost $80 million, targeting a $38 million grant. The grant was not awarded and Re-1 schools remain in poor condition, according to officials. If the board decides to apply again, with an application cost of $3,500, it is likely that they will lower their sights and try to secure funding only for constructing a new high school. Re-1 Vice President Jack Schuenemeyer said that both students and staff would be safer in a new facility.
The high school has problems with safety. Its a disaster waiting to happen, Schuenemeyer said.
The board remained torn on the BEST application, and board president Tim Lanier suggested a vote at tonights (Jan. 24) board meeting. Re-1 Chief of Operations and Director of Business Services Michael Canzona said Time is of the essence.
Other items on the agenda were the four versus five day school week, and student achievement. The board is currently considering returning to a five-day a week plan, soliciting feedback from teachers, parents and students. Concerns are students losing focus in longer class periods, or not receiving adequate instruction and quality teaching during shorter class durations. A main concern is a lack of direction in class ultimately leads to higher drop-out rates. Cortez Middle School Assistant Principal Justin OConnor, suggested re-implementing vocational studies for students wanting to pursue trades instead of college. Re-1 Treasurer Brain Demby said that its the districts job to make students job ready.
We need to pitch so they can hit, Demby said.
While Re-1 has yet to name an interim-superintendent, the search is on for a qualified candidate as the public is waiting to see who will fill the seat.
The board is leading this district right now, said Canzona
Lanier said they were up to the task.
I hope people understand that were elected to do this job, Lanier said.
The board will meet tonight at 400 N. Elm at 7 p.m.
Reach Brandon Mathis at brandonm@cortezjournal.com
