An approaching storm front couldn’t dampen the spirits of those gathered in soggy conditions March 6, for the long-awaited ground-breaking; beginning construction of the new Buena Vista School District Middle and High School.
Buena Vista School Superintendent Lisa Yates introduced speakers for the ground-breaking for the new middle and high school construction. Behind her, immediately over her right shoulder, president of Diesslin Structures, John Diesslin.
“We’re celebrating a really important milestone, not the first in this long path, but the next phase. We’re here because we know what an important part of a community a school is,” said Buena Vista School Superintendent Lisa Yates, about the $50 million construction project, which the district hopes to have complete by fall, 2020. “It’s important you students know that its Buena Vista residents, Buena Vista businesses – people who live in the community – who made this possible. They understood that you need a safer, more secure, educational environment in which to learn.”
The crowd of local Buena Vista and Chaffee County dignitaries, architects, engineering and construction companies, school officials, school board members and citizen action groups assembled for the Buena Vista School construction ground-breaking numbered close to 100. They were surrounded by the entire, enthusiastic student assembly. The school district made the decision to involve the entire middle school and high school student body in the ground-breaking event.
“This is the biggest construction project there has ever been in this valley,” said Diesslin Structures President John Diesslin, as the ceremony was about to get underway. Diesslin is partnering on the project with Haselden Construction, one of the largest construction contractors in the state.
“In 2006 the hospital (HRRMC) was $26 million, and we can’t exactly translate that to 2019. But this is a big project,” said Diesslin. “I can tell you that there are going to be stretches when we’ll have 300 to 400 people on this site at a time, all working to get this done on schedule.”
The project is complicated because construction will be going on while school is in session. It will require logistical moves that will need to happen on schedule (during the holiday break for example) to move classrooms and tear down structures so new construction can proceed.
Buena Vista School Superintendent Lisa Yates, Town Administrator Phillip Puckett and Mayor Duff Lacy talk before the start of ground-breaking ceremonies.
The gathered officials took note of both the community’s commitment to schools, as well the community’s willingness to collaborate through the long process that brought it to the groundbreaking celebration.
“This, right here, is an affirmation of this community’s support of its schools,” said Mayor Duff Lacy.
“At the county level, we work toward things that allow us to leverage our efforts,” said Chaffee County Commissioner Greg Felt. “Strong communities are based on our ability to sit down and listen to each other, to work things out together. The community led by example and I hope that you students here see that this in the right way (to make progress).”
The funds raised by the community were matched by a BEST Grant from the State of Colorado (Building Excellent Schools Today). Buena Vista approved $29.5 million, but with the understanding that the Buena Vista School District would pursue a matching sum using the BEST grant. The state approved Buena Vista for approximately $20 million; resulting in a 58 to 42 percent split of construction costs between the town and the state of Colorado.
“Most people don’t know that the BEST grants are made possible because the state government agency manages some 3 million acres of state land in trust. The funds received from leasing that land provides money for public schools said State Land Board Representative Kristen Kemp. “We’ve been funding Colorado Public schools since 1876.”
Those assembled not only reiterated the collaboration that has been necessary for the past several years to reach the point of beginning construction, but many reminded students that this is only one milestone on a lifetime of education and opportunity.
“Hey gang, we’re getting a new school, said vice president of the School District Ken McMurry in a jubilant voice. “Now you’ll be able to log in to lightening-fast Wi-Fi, yes – but it will be up to you students to make it your school. Take advantage of the opportunity for connection and learning. Let’s have a culture in Demon country that we can be proud of.”
The shovels were lifted, the ground-breaking ensured. Now the construction begins.
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