After 61 years, South Mesa Elementary is in need of attention – Pueblo Chieftain

Jon Pompia|The Pueblo Chieftain

In November, property owners who reside within the expansive Pueblo County School District 70 will be asked to improve all schools by approving a $75 million bond that would see no new tax increase implemented.

Ballot Measure 4A would raise funds for schools in Pueblo West, the Mesa and the Mountain Region without a tax increase, through the restructuring of bond debt already on the books.

If approved, the bond would provide more than $6 million for infection control and COVID 19-mitigation measures, and security camera system and intercom replacements and upgrades, at all schools.

This series will examine how the bond funds would be spent at each school.

SOUTH MESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (BUILT IN 1959) WOULD RECEIVE $3.9 MILLION IN BOND FUNDS:

UPGRADE ROOF

The existing roof has reached the end of its expected life and would bereplaced with a new, high-quality roof system with a life span of 22 to 30 years. It is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly and would include a redesign to improve drainage.

SECURE ROOF ACCESS

To prevent unauthorized access to the roof, fencing and/or secure ladders would be installed to secure all access points.

REPLACE SELECT EXTERIOR DOORS

The aging exterior wood doors would be replaced with new metal doors to improve function and security.

UPGRADE ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The buildings antiquated electrical distribution system would be upgraded to eliminate safety concerns and accommodate an increased demand due to modern teaching tools such as computers and tablets.

NEW HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM AND CONTROLS

The existing heating/cooling equipment is outdated and inefficient. Replacing this failing equipment with new high-efficiency systems wouldbring the building up to code, eliminate maintenance issues, and lower energy consumption. New controls for these systems would be integrated into the districts control system to optimize performance and provide a more comfortable environment for building occupants.

NEW KITCHEN HEATING/COOLING

The kitchens heating system would bereplaced with a new, high-efficiency system that adds cooling to provide a more comfortable work environment.

REPLACE CAFETERIA PARKING LOT

The cafeteria staff parking area and sidewalks would berepaved and replaced, and the dumpsters relocated to the north on a separate concrete pad.

REPLACE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

The outdated playground equipment would be removed, and new equipment installed further from the building to help with drainage issues. The new equipment would expand the play area, be ADA compliant, and meet modern equipment safety standards.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AND LUNCH AREA

The area north of the cafeteria would be transformed into an outdoor classroom/lunch area with a concrete pad and an open-side pole barn to provide shade and protection from the elements.

South Mesa Elementary is over 60 years old and is in need of attention," said Principal Shad Glenn. "The school was well built but over time, it hasbecome evident that the building is in need of structural repairs and upgrades in order to bring it up to code. It is not only important for the building itself to be updated but it is necessary for the students, staff and community members to feel safe both inside and out.

"There is a big concern that if the updates/upgrades do not happen, then eventually South Mesa will be dealing with larger issues in regard to infrastructure: which in turn directly affects the safety and overall learning environment of our students as well as impacts the community use and availability of the facility.

Chieftain reporter Jon Pompia can be reached by email at jpompia@chieftain.com or at twitter.com/jpompia.

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After 61 years, South Mesa Elementary is in need of attention - Pueblo Chieftain