Here's what one vote can get you, Ignacio School Superintendent Rocco Fuschetto stressed to community members who showed up Saturday evening to tour their new high school. The event's theme was "Every vote counts."
The school was built with $18-plus million out of a $50 million bond issue that passed by one vote in 2012. The bond issue also brought a new middle school and elementary school and a new administration building.
"Five years ago, I was given a goal to improve our curriculum and our buildings," Fuschetto said, adding, "We aren't done yet." A new transportation building will be the final item.
Fuschetto noted the middle school has received two awards for architectural design, and the new elementary school just received LEED Gold Certification for energy efficiency. The school's gas bill for March was under $200, he said. He also bragged, "We probably have the best technology in the Four Corners." He credited district technology director Brian Crane for that.
Lots of dignitaries were on hand for the opening - current and former school board members including State Rep. J. Paul Brown, former Superintendent Juvie Jones, Ignacio Mayor Stella Cox, Southern Ute Tribal Council members, Student Council President Tori Archuleta, project architects and construction managers, County Commissioner Julie Westendorff, Roger Zalneraitis from the La Plata Economic Development Alliance, and Fort Lewis College President, Dr. Dene Kay Thomas.
Brown said, "We have to roll up our sleeves now, bring up the test grades." He noted the legislature passed a bill this year to reduce the number of assessment tests imposed on students. "Instead of testing, let's start teaching these kids," he said.
Tori Archuleta, the IHS student council president, thanked voters for passing the bond issue. She noted the difficulties of a year and a half in the "ELHI," the old elementary school in downtown Ignacio with its bathrooms and water fountains designed for much smaller students. "The old high school and the ELHI were obstacles we had to get through to get to this," she said. "This is a new beginning. It's a great day to be a Bobcat."
Tribal Councilor Al Cloud proclaimed, "Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat! This is my school, my community, my tribe."
Tribal Council Vice Chair Ramona Eagle admonished students "to work hard, be very proud of this school, the school district."
Westendorff commented, "I'm really proud of this community being willing to do this for your children. Good students do better in good facilities." Now it's up to students to make the most of it, she said.
Thomas commended Fuschetto "for having this dream and getting you (patrons) to share that dream. Fort Lewis College is very proud to accept the students who graduate from Ignacio," she said.
The Women's Prerogative, a barbershop chorus with members from around the area, sang several patriotic songs. Members of the IHS band played the National Anthem as the American flag was raised for the first time on the new pole.
After the speeches and music, Board President Toby Roderick wielded the ceremonial big scissors which actually cut the red ribbon on the first try in front of the high school's new main entry. District residents streamed in to tour their new school.
School offices and a career center are on the right of the main entry hall. On the left is a view of the outdoor courtyard. Turning to the right from the entry hall, visitors went into what used to be the new wing of the former junior high. It has a big weight room, a training room, and the renovated old junior high gym.
The classroom wing is a left turn from the main entry. Classrooms are on one side, and windows looking out to the courtyard are on the other side. The tile mosaic at the south end of this hall was salvaged from the old high school before much of it was demolished, and now lives again in the new school.
Visitors got the feel of the big airy cafeteria and commons as they enjoyed hotdogs, coleslaw, and cookies from the new school kitchen. The north wall of the cafeteria is all glass and again looks out on the courtyard.
The big new feature at the school is the performing arts auditorium complete with theater-type seats. A rock video was showing on the auditorium screen.
Going east from the cafeteria is what was the main hall for the old school and the old front entry. The old IHS gym has been renovated. The old cafeteria will be the new school library. The upper parts of several walls are embellished with colorful murals that are extreme enlargements of pow wow dancers.
Teachers and other school staff are at work this week, and classes start Monday.
