Dolores RE-4A board: new high school on track for late 2026

The Dolores RE‑4A school board on Monday received updates on major construction projects, Operation Graduation and next year’s calendar, and learned that the new high school remains on track for late 2026 occupancy. Matt Prinster, Artaic Owner’s Representative, delivered the district’s monthly BEST grant building report and laid out near-term milestones that matter to students, staff and taxpayers.

“Prinster credited this year’s mild winter for helping keep the schedule on track.” He told trustees that “the stair tower and elevator are underway, with steel delivery expected later this month, and the ag lab slab has been poured. The ag lab is targeted for August occupancy.” Prinster also said “epoxy solutions are being used to address previously identified foundation cracks,” and that “a beam‑signing ceremony is planned once structural work progresses.”

“The new high school is tentatively scheduled for December 2026 occupancy.” If that timeline holds, the district will move into a two-phase transition: the new high school opening late next year and renovations on the existing high school, “which will be converted into a middle school, are set to begin in May.” Prinster noted classroom and curriculum opportunities tied to the build, saying students will have chances to link coursework to the project, “including lessons involving concrete volume calculations.”

The board also reviewed infrastructure tied to the campus site. “Prinster also outlined the district’s $850,000 stormwater mitigation grant.” Planned improvements include berms, French drains and perimeter drainage to reduce flooding during heavy rain, and “bidding will begin once final details are confirmed.” Those measures aim to protect the campus and neighborhood properties from episodic runoff that has concerned residents in past storms.

Trustees were briefed on a minor site problem when “he noted that a minor layout error shifted the building about 10 inches east. The town granted a variance, and sidewalk adjustments will accommodate the shift.” Board President Maegan Crowley raised concerns about the error; “after board President Maegan Crowley raised concerns, Prinster said the district and board will receive further updates.”

On community matters, Operation Graduation treasurer Staci Cost asked the board for a donation and “shared plans for graduation night. Like last year, the group plans to take students to Bananas in Grand Junction.” During the meeting “the board reviewed the 2026-27 school calendar and teacher salaries.” With no action items, “the meeting adjourned.”

For residents tracking the build and district planning, the next opportunity for public attendance and updates is the Dolores school board meeting set for March 9 at 6 p.m. The construction timeline, stormwater work and the conversion of the existing high school into a middle school will be key items to monitor as the district moves toward the December 2026 occupancy target.