In a major victory for Mesa County schools, residents approved Measures 4A and 4B during Tuesday’s election, unlocking crucial funding for much-needed renovations and upgrades across the district. The approval of 4A provides the Mesa County Valley School District (D51) with $190 million, with $70 million of that set to go toward renovating Central High School (CHS). At the same time, Measure 4B extends a mill levy override from 2017, giving the district an additional $6.5 million in funding.

A Long-Awaited Investment in School Infrastructure

Brian Hill, Superintendent of D51 Schools, emphasized the urgent need for the funding, noting that the district currently faces over $600 million in deferred maintenance. “This will take care of a good chunk of it,” Hill said, referring to the newly approved funds. The approval of 4A and 4B marks the beginning of a significant investment in the future of Mesa County’s schools.

One of the key projects to receive attention is Central High School. The school, which has long been in need of updates, will receive about $70 million of the $190 million to renovate its facilities. A major component of the renovation will be improving the security of the entrance, making it safer for students and staff. The project will also address critical accessibility issues, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

As Hill explained, “The building is not ADA compliant, so if you’re a student in a wheelchair, you can’t actually access a lot of the building. They have to go outside the building to get to other parts of it.” Renovating the school to meet ADA standards will ensure that all students, regardless of physical ability, can fully access the building and its resources.

Upgrades Across the District

Central High School isn’t the only facility set to benefit from these new funds. Fruita Monument High School is also slated for renovations, ensuring that the district’s high schools continue to provide a safe and modern learning environment. Additionally, the funds will be used to address HVAC and roofing repairs at several schools, ensuring that district buildings are comfortable and well-maintained for years to come.

With the passage of 4A and 4B, the district is already gearing up to begin the renovation process. Hill stated that the district has already started the process of seeking architects and general contractors in preparation for the work ahead. “We were hoping that this would pass, and we want to hit the ground running,” he said.

Community Response: Mixed Reactions

While many are celebrating the approval of these measures, not everyone in the community is on board with the decision. Some residents have voiced their opposition, particularly on local social media platforms. Concerns have been raised about the closure of several elementary schools and the use of funds for high school renovations.

One resident expressed frustration on a local Facebook community board: “You have three or four elementary schools up for closure… You spent enough on Grand Junction High School.”

Another resident pointed out the issue of taxes, claiming that the approval of Measure 4A feels like a bait-and-switch: “We here, in Mesa County, built a new high school and the tax was applied to pay for it. The way it was explained to me was that as soon as it is paid for, the tax was to be removed. It sounds to me like a bait and switch.”

These concerns highlight the tension between the need for school improvements and the burden of increased taxes on local residents. While many support the renovations, some believe the district should have focused on maintaining smaller schools and addressing concerns related to school closures.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Renovation

With the passage of Measures 4A and 4B, Mesa County schools are poised to undergo significant improvements. Central High School will be the first to see changes, but other schools across the district will also benefit from the upgrades. Though not all residents are fully behind the new funding measures, the district is moving forward with its plans to enhance school infrastructure, making sure that every student has access to a modern, safe, and accessible learning environment.