As students across Mesa County prepare to return to school next week, a mix of cautious optimism and fiscal uncertainty is gripping local educators and administrators. From unexpected windfalls to sudden delays, the back-to-school season is unfolding against a backdrop of federal funding turbulence, strained health services, and heightened enforcement.

Funds Restored, for Now

Mesa Valley School District 51 received a surprising email last week: the $2 million in federal Title funds that had been held up would soon be released.

“It’s a little bit of a sigh of relief,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill, who had been waiting on word from the Colorado Department of Education. “These funds support all students, but especially some of our highest needs students. We’re really appreciative they were released.”

The money had already been earmarked for professional development, instructional coaching, and community-based after-school programs. Perhaps most critical, nearly $900,000 supports the Migrant Education Program, which Hill said serves 20 districts across western Colorado.

“We’re one of five hubs in the state,” he noted. “Having that money now allows us to run that program for one more year.”

But the reprieve may be temporary. Hill says the district must remain “cautiously optimistic” heading into the 2026-2027 school year. “We can’t necessarily rely on those funds moving forward.”

Libraries Face Silence on Promised Grant

Not all institutions have been as lucky. Mesa County Libraries, which operate the region’s primary Adult Learning Center, are still in limbo after a four-year federal grant was suddenly halted in its second year.

“We were told the funding is under review,” said Executive Director Michelle Boisvenue-Fox. “It’s really hard because we’re dealing with people’s lives.”

That grant pays for the salaries of six instructors who provide GED prep and English language classes to more than 180 students expected to enroll this August.

For now, the library is tapping into its general budget to keep the program running through December. But the outlook beyond 2025 is murky. “We’re trying to be flexible, but there are questions,” Boisvenue-Fox said.

Those wishing to help, she added, can reach out to legislators or donate to the library foundation.

School Zone Crackdown Ahead of August 6 Start

As the first day of school approaches—August 6 for most public schools—drivers in Mesa County should expect increased enforcement in school zones, according to John Ferguson, Police Motor Technician for the Grand Junction Police Department.

“Flashing yellow lights will mark active zones,” Ferguson said. “Some charter or private schools may not have lights, but all are posted in compliance with state and federal law.”

Law enforcement will be focusing on speeding, distracted driving, and crosswalk violations in designated areas, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup hours.

Ferguson also reminded drivers that the return of school buses comes with renewed traffic rules: stop signs extended from buses mean stop—no exceptions.

Vaccines on the Agenda—and Barriers Still Remain

Another back-to-school checklist item is ensuring students are vaccinated. According to Mesa County Public Health (MCPH), many students still need updates to meet state requirements.

Kelly Geyer, Clinical Services Manager at MCPH, said nurses work directly with families to identify what vaccines a child may still need—based on age, health history, and previous vaccinations.

Per the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, required K–12 vaccines include:

• Hepatitis B (HepB)

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP)

• Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)

• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

• Varicella (chickenpox)

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)

MCPH offers all state-mandated immunizations and more. Importantly, they provide access regardless of insurance status, working with Medicaid, private plans, and uninsured families alike.

“We don’t want anybody to feel they can’t come to us because they don’t have the money,” Geyer said. “We’d rather have you walk through our doors, get vaccinated, and stay healthy.”

A Year Starting on Uneven Ground

From library classrooms to public health clinics to district offices, uncertainty still hangs over parts of Mesa County’s education infrastructure. But the district is stepping into the new school year—ready or not.

As Superintendent Hill put it: “We are very happy that we’ll have the funding that was promised to us, to be able to support our students.”