Pueblo, Colo. — Pueblo School District 60 (D60) is facing a significant challenge as declining enrollment and underutilized school facilities raise concerns about resource allocation and the overall effectiveness of its educational programs. With an average building capacity utilization rate of just 66%, the district is exploring several options to address the issue, including possible school closures, changes to grade configurations, or combining schools.
According to D60 officials, the current situation has placed a strain on already limited resources, which are spread thin across multiple schools rather than being consolidated to better serve students. This underutilization of space is leading to a reconsideration of how schools are organized and how resources are allocated.
“The district serves a diverse student population, and we recognize that the unique needs of many students may not be fully met with the current school configurations or the traditional instructional programs these aging buildings were designed to support,” D60 said in a statement.
The district is committed to engaging families, staff, and community members in the decision-making process. D60 is planning a series of community sessions to gather input and discuss potential changes. These sessions are designed to involve stakeholders in brainstorming ideas about the future of the district’s schools.
The first round of community group meetings will take place in early March, with each session focusing on a specific group of schools. These sessions are scheduled as follows:
- March 3: 5:30-7 p.m. at Central High School, Group 1 – Bessemer Academy, Columbian, Minnequa, Heritage, Corwin
- March 4: 5:30-7 p.m. at East High School, Group 2 – Haaff, Franklin, Belmont, Heaton
- March 10: 5:30-7 p.m. at South High School, Group 3 – South Park, Highland Park, Beulah Heights
- March 12: 5:30-7 p.m. at South High School, Group 4 – D60 Online, Dutch Clark Digital/Paragon, Goodnight, Sunset Park, Pueblo Academy of Arts
- March 17: 5:30-7 p.m. at East High School, Group 5 – Risley, Bradford, Park View, Fountain, Baca
- March 18: 5:30-7 p.m. at Centennial High School, Group 6 – Irving, Nettie S. Freed, Morton
Each session will allow participants to provide feedback and share ideas on how the district can best meet the educational needs of its students moving forward. The district has emphasized that no final decisions will be made until all community input has been gathered and carefully considered.
As D60 faces the complexities of balancing resources, student needs, and the condition of its aging infrastructure, the district is hopeful that community engagement will lead to solutions that enhance the learning environment for all students.
