The

The Montezuma-Cortez School District Re-1 will ask voters for permission to spend up to $1.8 million toward demolition of the old high school on West Seventh Street. The money has been held in reserve to build a new sports stadium, but the school board agreed that the funds are needed more to tear down the old high school, which contains friable asbestos that must be mitigated.

Mayor Karen Sheek, who has been active on the task force that determined the future of the building earlier this year, said passing the measure will allow the school district to fulfill the promise they made to tear down the old school.

Sheek said Re-1 school board members have done their due diligence, and their hands are now tied as they wait on the outcome of next month’s vote.

“They have done all they possibly can,” Sheek said.

Councilors voted unanimously to approve the resolution, which encourages citizens to vote “yes” on ballot question 3A, allowing the school district to use the money.

Also Tuesday, Boutique Air marketing representative Michelle McNulty visited the council. The company took over for Great Lakes Airlines on Oct. 1. Boutique now is offering direct flights from the Cortez Municipal Airport to Denver and Phoenix. The company held a grand opening ceremony at the airport on Wednesday.

McNulty said the company is committed to being a part of the community in Cortez.

“We’re very excited to be here,” she said.