Dolores school bond committee announces education events and school tours

Superintendent Reece Blincoe and other members of the school board and staff look over phase one of the master plan, which the November bond will help fund. (Courtesy photo)
The committee hopes to educate the community and answer questions about the upcoming bond

The Dolores School Campaign Committee, composed of community volunteers, has announced a series of events with the goal of educating the community about the November 2023 Bond 4A, which would be used to help renovate the school buildings and build a high school, if passed.

The Campaign Committee is inviting the community to tour the schools Sept. 29 at 11:30 a.m. and Oct. 6 at 11:30 a.m., with evening tour dates to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

“Seeing the current condition of our buildings is crucial for our community to make an informed decision,” said Superintendent Reece Blincoe.

The school renovations and new high school are projected to cost $29 million, to which the November 2023 Bond 4A would contribute a $11.2 million.

The remaining funds would be bolstered by an estimated $18 million match from the Colorado Department of Education BEST Grant. The bond will be issued upon the awarding of the BEST grant, which the school district will apply for in the beginning months of 2024.

“Our investment in the current campus will not only ensure safe, state-of-the-art facilities for our students but will also elevate the Dolores community's competitiveness among regional school districts,” said committee chairman and board member Clay Tallmadge.

The committee also will be at the Dolores Farmers Market through October and at the Harvest Festival on Oct. 7 to share bond information, a slide presentation, fact sheet and project renderings.

Additionally, the committee regularly presents to local organizations and convenes weekly meetings. Organizations seeking presentations can email doloresbond23@gmail.com, and citizens are invited to attend Monday evening meetings at 6 p.m. at the Dolores Public Library.

Community members can also stay updated on events and meetings by visiting the Dolores School Campaign Committee's Facebook page.