Dear Editor:
I have a grave concern for the Bond issues for both MCHS and DHS. Our family resides in Dolores and we do have a nice school and most of our children do graduate with a decent education. My concerns encompass the fact that some issues have not been fully investigated. Several points to consider are:
1. What is each schools rate of growth?
I am a native to Dolores. My mother graduated from DHS, as I did and my children. There were 18 graduates in my class 30 odd years ago and my sons class will graduate 65 students. We added on to our school several years ago and the very next year we had to move in modular buildings to house new class rooms. In turn they tore down a building (granted it had its issues, but structurally sound) that could have been used for offices if not for class rooms.
2. What about the cost for the up-keep of the new schools?
Our science building could have possibly been saved if the issues would have been addressed right away. The flag holders on the side of building keep falling due to rotten wood that needs to be replaced. We replaced a gym floor without addressing the ground water that caused the damage in the first place. Floor in commons is cracked and tiles need to be replaced because rebar is coming through the cement. Showers in the locker rooms do not work properly or not at all. If we cannot pay for the up keep of these buildings how are we going to maintain the new school when its needed.
3. What about parking?
That is a huge issue in Dolores. I cant even begin to list the cons.
We do need to bring our kids into the 21st century but we also need to teach them the value of what we have and how to take care of it. Best of luck to both sides. Thank you for listening to my concerns with open minds. We all need to work together to come up with the best solution for everyone especially our children and future generations.
Lenetta Shull
Dolores
Editors Note: A Colorado Department of Education Statewide Assessment done in 2010, said it would cost $2.7 million to fix the problems in the science/vocational building on the Dolores High School Campus. BEST grant plans say it would cost $3.7 million to build new science/vocational classrooms, of which 43 percent would be paid for by the BEST grant.
