Students at Florida Mesa Elementary shook blue and gold pom-poms as they sat on the gymnasium floor to hear plans for their new school building.
Durango School District 9-R hosted its 2024 bond kickoff event Tuesday at the school, giving the most important beneficiaries – the students – an opportunity to learn about the future of their new school.
In November, voters passed a $150 million bond issue to finance improvements across the school district, including the ability to fund a new elementary school in Three Springs to replace the aging Florida Mesa Elementary.
The kickoff event featured brief speeches from school board members, faculty members and students. Everyone seemed excited about the prospect of a brand-new building, even the kindergartners.
“The whole reason for this is because you deserve it,” said Superintendent Karen Cheser as she spoke to students.
The adults in the room kept their speeches brief, leaving room for the students to voice their hopes for the new school.
As part of a hands-on learning project, the fifth grade science class presented their visions for the building.
Presenters said they wanted real volleyballs, a volleyball court constructed from eco-friendly materials like cork and adjustable nets so younger students can play. The soccer balls and cardboard boxes they have been using as substitute balls hurt their arms.
They also advocated for a garden and an outdoor amphitheater, saying it would give them more opportunities to learn and play outside.
The fifth graders said they spent several weeks working on their plans and consulted with students in the younger grades, many of whom requested unrealistic additions to the new school. For example, some kindergartners wanted unicorns and a petting zoo full of tigers, but their older peers rejected the ideas.
Shannon Morris, principal of Florida Mesa Elementary, said the school, built in 1957, was long overdue for an upgrade.
“We get to move forward into a new space that’s going to be super exciting, super fun and a brand-new era of Florida Mesa,” Morris said.
The event lasted about 30 minutes, and students were sent back to their classrooms following a guest appearance from the school’s mascot – a blow-up mustang.
The project is expected to take 3½ years to complete, and construction will likely start in the summer of 2026.
According to Rick Peterson, school board treasurer, planning will take many months as various teams of stakeholders meet to discuss wants and needs for the new building and bid packages for contractors.
In addition to the construction of a new elementary school, the approved bond will fund facility and maintenance updates across the district, as well as potentially contribute to the development of workforce housing for 9-R faculty.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
