Montrose Voters to Decide on $198 Million Bond for New High School

The Montrose County School District has unveiled plans to fund the construction of a new Montrose High School through a proposed bond measure. This decision will be placed before voters in the district during the upcoming November ballot, with the aim of securing $198 million for the development.

Architectural renderings of the proposed high school have been shared with the public, showcasing a modern facility designed to meet the educational needs of today’s students. The current Montrose High School, built in 1940, is described as inadequate for contemporary education requirements, with its aging infrastructure incapable of supporting advanced academic and vocational programs.

Dr. Carrie Stephenson, Superintendent of the Montrose County School District, has been at the forefront of advocating for this move. In a public statement, she drew parallels between the challenges faced by the current generation and those confronted by the builders of the original high school during the Great Depression and World War II. “Imagine the courage it took to move forward with such a project in the midst of the Great Depression,” Stephenson remarked. She emphasized that education investments made then were instrumental in shaping the future of the community.

Superintendent Stephenson has highlighted that the bond, if approved, would cost the average homeowner approximately $9 per month per $100,000 of home value, with certain exemptions available for senior citizens and disabled veterans. The urgency of the bond is underscored by rising construction costs, estimated to increase by 12-14% annually if the project is delayed.

In her appeal, Stephenson acknowledged economic concerns but urged voters to consider the broader implications of investing in education. “This bond measure is about more than just education. It’s about our collective responsibility to ensure that Montrose County remains a place where families thrive,” she stated. Advocates believe that a new high school will not only enhance educational outcomes but also attract businesses and families to the area, thus boosting the local economy.

The school district currently has one of the lowest mill levies in the region, even when compared to neighboring areas such as Delta County. The decision now rests with the voters, who must weigh the immediate financial impact against the long-term benefits for the community and future generations.