The Norwood School is no doubt in bad shape. The Forum has seen first-hand the issues with leaks, mold, asbestos, along with drain issues in the bathroom by the office, plus past issues with the heat and air conditioning, safety and more. Some of those issues have been partly dealt with in the last few years, but those involved with the school community want better for their kids and themselves.
Stakeholders tried for a BEST grant with the state in 2023, but that funding didn’t come through. Still, many would like to see the new school become reality. The Norwood school board recently asked San Miguel County for help with funding to try for another BEST grant attempt, but for a few different reasons the county denied financial support.
Now, many are wondering what’s next for Norwood Public School. At this point, there are just seven seniors graduating Norwood this year in the class of 2025. There are 13 rising seniors, who are set to graduate in 2026.
And, the school is searching for teachers. The district needs high school teachers for English, math, social studies, as well as a guidance counselor in light of Rick Williams retiring. The district also needs an elementary PE teacher, a fifth-grade teacher, various paraprofessionals, bus drivers and more.
The Forum has created a questionnaire online to engage the community and gain insight into the differing opinions. All were asked to give names for the questionnaire and to only vote once, but the Forum is holding the responses in confidence, unless people agree to go on record. The purpose of the survey is to get an idea of how divided or unified the people are, but to also see if the people who support a new school want to move it to the 18-acre parcel on the other side of town, or keep it where it is. The survey asks other questions too about why people might not want a new school — taxes? low enrollment? something else?
As of April 14, 50 people completed it. The survey asks about whether or not individuals support a new school, and then 64% say they do, though 20% say they don’t and the rest are undecided.
Of those that would like to see a new school established, 50% want to see the whole school, elementary and upper grades, moved to the new location, the 18 acres. Nearly 24% want to see just the high school, the oldest and most problematic portion, torn down and rebuilt where it is. Roughly 13% want the high school torn down and moved to the 18 acres. About 13% want the whole thing torn down and rebuilt on the existing property.
Of those that don’t want a new school, 56% are worried about taxes. Some have made comments about low enrollment and a lack of teachers.
Some suggested that high school kids transfer out to Telluride or Nucla, since those districts have nice school facilities and the ability to absorb Norwood students. The Forum acknowledges it might be hard for those who’ve grown up with Maverick pride and Norwood school history to not have a high school, or a school at all, on Wright’s Mesa.
Malisha Reed, principal for the upper grades in Norwood, said her personal preference is she’d like to see the high school torn down and moved.
“The school is the cornerstone of our community, and I believe our children and this community deserve nothing less than our very best,” she said.
The questionnaire remains open, and the Forum would like to get more responses. The more that respond, the more accurate the depiction of opinions will be.
