We’ve all seen the positive changes sweeping through the Alamosa School District, and it’s clear that our collective efforts are making a difference. From the ambitious Strategic Plan to the dedication of our educators, parents, community partners, and the enthusiasm of our students, we are witnessing a remarkable transformation in our schools. This momentum reflects our shared vision: to create an educational environment where every student can thrive and every teacher feels supported.
The heart of this transformation is rooted in our Strategic Plan, which includes Core Beliefs, Mission, Vision, and the Profile of a Graduate. This plan has guided us toward fostering a strong sense of belonging, academic excellence, and safe learning environments. Our district’s commitment to these values has been instrumental in driving the positive progress we’ve seen across our schools.
Our Board of Directors has embraced a vision for Alamosa that sets a high bar for excellence. Their vision articulated as “Our greatest hopes for the Alamosa School District is to continue improving academic achievement for all students, expanding positive and relevant learning opportunities, and improving each school climate so Alamosa Schools can become the district of choice in the San Luis Valley, resulting in teachers wanting to teach here, and families and children wanting to attend school here, while leading to Alamosa being recognized as the standard of excellence in rural Colorado” is both ambitious and inspiring.
The Board of Education has put forth a $28 million bond measure for the upcoming November ballot to support this vision and ensure continued progress. This bond represents a critical opportunity to invest in our educational facilities, advance cutting-edge systems, and elevate the quality of our learning environment. The decision to move forward with this bond reflects a deep commitment to our entire school community's long-term success and well-being.
If approved, this bond will primarily focus on key improvements at Alamosa High School and Ortega Middle School, with additional projects at our elementary schools and transportation and maintenance facilities. Let’s dive into what these enhancements will mean for our students and staff:
Alamosa High School will receive vital updates, including a secure entrance to enhance safety, modernized classrooms and restrooms, and essential maintenance work. These upgrades will help create a more secure and conducive learning environment for our high school students.
Ortega Middle School will benefit from improving the learning environment by adding classrooms, increasing natural lighting, updating restrooms, and other necessary improvements. These changes are designed to support a more effective and engaging middle school experience.
Our elementary schools will see safety and security upgrades, alongside crucial mechanical, electrical, and plumbing updates. These improvements are essential for maintaining a comfortable and safe environment for our youngest learners.
Transportation and Maintenance Facilities will also receive attention, with plans to provide a secure location for storing and maintaining our district’s buses. This ensures that our transportation infrastructure remains reliable and efficient.
An exciting aspect of this bond proposal is its potential to position the district for a State of Colorado Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant. This grant would provide additional funding for critical repairs and updates without requiring repayment from taxpayers. It’s a strategic move that could significantly enhance our ability to make essential improvements with state support.
The bond proposal comes with a financial commitment: it would result in a tax increase of about $200 annually for the average-value home in the district, and approximately $26 per month per $100,000 in actual value for commercial properties. While any increase in taxes is a serious consideration, it’s important to weigh this against the long-term benefits of investing in our schools and community.
Additionally, it’s important to note that this bond proposal does not include the district’s planned purchase of the vacant Friday Health building on Main Street. This property, which the district is working to acquire separately for $2.3 million, is intended to serve as the new administrative headquarters and a space for alternative and online high school classes.
Our school district is the cornerstone of our community. The quality of education our children receive directly impacts their future and, by extension, the prosperity of our community. By supporting this bond measure, we’re investing not just in our schools but in the future of Alamosa.
This is our opportunity to ensure that our schools remain vibrant, safe, and equipped to provide the best possible education. Let’s seize this chance to continue building on the progress we’ve made and to create a legacy of excellence for future generations.
As November approaches, I encourage you to consider the profound impact this bond could have. Our collective effort to support this measure is a testament to our commitment to the success of our students and the strength of our community. Let’s come together to make this vision a reality and reaffirm our dedication to excellence in education.
Diana Jones is superintendent of the Alamosa School District. Luis Murillo is the assistant superintendent of ASD.
