The second in a series of community conversations -- focused on school facilities --took place May 21 at the PLPOA Clubhouse.
Rick Holt, superintendent of Archuleta County Schools, presented information about the district's proposal to replace the current elementary and middle schools with a combined campus to be built near Veterans Park. The current middle school faces significant maintenance problems because of its age. Many current elementary classrooms lack natural light.
The district had applied for a grant from the state, which would cover part of the cost. However, Archuleta County's project was not selected for funding in this cycle.
The school board now must decide whether to put a bond issue on the ballot in November -- possibly a conditional bond that would go into effect only if the district wins funds in the next round of the state grant program. Archuleta County voters rejected the last two school bond issues.
The next community conversation will focus on the finances of Pagosa Springs Medical Center. Rhonda Webb, CEO and chief medical officer, will discuss the hospital's funding in light of federal budget cuts as well as possible solutions. That meeting is also at the PLPOA Clubhouse, 230 Port Ave., and will take place June 1 at 5:30 p.m.
The conversation series kicked off on May 13 with a panel discussion featuring Holt, Webb, and County Manager Longinos Gonzalez. If you missed that meeting, you can watch a recording of it here.