Over the past few months, many community members took part in the Archuleta School District’s facilities master planning process. The work began because the district’s school buildings have real and growing needs, and as a site decision approached for a proposed new K-8 building, voices spoke up about the value of long-standing public investments that support kids throughout our community.
These voices came from people with firsthand experience supporting students: teachers, parents, grant writers, and individuals involved with the library, parks and recreation programs, and even non-profits and businesses supporting safe places and services for kids and families already concentrated downtown.
What many of these comments had in common was a belief that schools are more than buildings. People spoke about the value of keeping students connected to a walkable downtown network of learning, recreation, and cultural spaces. Places like Yamaguchi Park, the San Juan River and Reservoir Hill have long been a unique part of how kids learn, play, and grow in Pagosa Springs. Some also raised thoughtful questions about how the district’s existing, centrally located properties might continue to serve students and build on past investments.
No matter where you stand on the path forward, it’s important that this part of the conversation is recognized. Public processes work better when people feel their experiences and values are heard, even when there are hard choices and real disagreements.
As decisions continue, I hope the care and good faith people brought to this process remain visible, along with an honest recognition that reasonable people can disagree about what will best serve students and families in Pagosa Springs.
Sincerely,
Kelly Tuten
Pagosa Springs, CO