PROJECT OVERVIEW

Addressing safety, overcrowding and maintenance at all GWSD campuses is this project's purpose.  

Our schools are safe, and new industry standards developed after our schools were built suggest we could make them safer. Every entrance needs safety improvements based on evolving industry school safety standards. 

With a consistent growth rate within our schools, we need better long-term solutions. CBCS is beyond capacity and uses six modular classrooms. CBCS building improvements will increase student capacity by 33%. There is also a need for a larger cafeteria/auditorium space at Gunnison Community School. Flexible teaching spaces are also needed. 

The district is responsible for taking care of its school buildings and seeks to have comfortable learning environments while being mindful of energy consumption and costs. Proactive maintenance is often less expensive than emergency maintenance.  

Upon evaluation of community feedback, a revised scope from the 2021 draft plan is being pursued to address anticipated key needs for the next 10 to 15 years. 

Gunnison Watershed School District is on a 10–15-year bond cadence cycle, with the last bond being pursued in 2008 and one prior in 1995. 

Yes. Current plans provide expanded facilities for more robust career preparation opportunities. These include facility updates for culinary, hospitality, manufacturing, and nursing facilities.  

Research proves there is a direct correlation between strong schools and stronger communities. Public education is a cornerstone in the United States. The primary tool the state of Colorado has to build schools is bonding via property taxes.  

Construction begins in mid-2024 with projected completion in mid-2026.

Over 80% of the GWSD annual operating budget goes to funding teacher and staff salaries and benefits. Roughly 18% goes to day-day operations throughout multiple campuses (utilities, supplies, technology, custodial services, transportation, and more) and about 1% goes to ongoing maintenance. Our entire operating budget is about $24.5 million; long-term, proactive, large-scale facility needs  must be funded by bonds. To save up for the current $95 million in facility needs, we would have to cease operations of all schools for four years.