ASD Family News - September 2026

Dear ASD Community,

Election season is here, and ballots will soon be arriving in mailboxes across our community. The ballot asks voters to authorize up to $79.9 million in debt with a repayment cost of up to $156.5 million. This is like a loan for a car. The purchase price is one thing ($79.9 million) while the repayment cost, including interest, is significantly more.

If approved, the bond would fund facility improvements at Pagosa Peak Open School and provide the local match required for an approximately $50 million Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant for a proposed new PK–8 school. The new school would move forward only if voters approve the bond and the district receives a BEST grant.

Here is some important clarifying information based on questions and community discussion:

Understand the numbers: $17.4M, $88M, and $129M are three different investments with substantially different outcomes.

• $17.4 million would keep the existing elementary and middle school buildings operational for the next 10 years.

• $88 million would address many deficiencies identified by third-party facilities assessments but would not address fundamental site and design limitations.

• $129 million is the estimated cost for a new PK–8 school designed to address the identified facility and site issues, with approximately $50 million funded by a BEST grant.

  
  

Understand what moving the school would actually mean.

The decision to build the proposed new school on the Vista property was the result of extensive research and community engagement. The Board concluded this was the best option for the district because it offers:

• An expansive campus, additional field space, and flexibility for future expansion (here and at the high school).

• More opportunities for students to walk and bike to school (without crossing 160)

• Overall cost and fiscal responsibility.

  
  

Moving the schools would change where students travel each day. Some families would be closer; others farther away. We already transport students throughout our geographically large district and would continue to do so, including providing after-school transportation to common downtown locations.

A new school would address identified safety, security, learning environment, and efficiency needs. It would also mean increased property taxes.

Visit www.mypagosaschools.com to review factual information about the proposal, including project details, costs, tax impacts, and arguments for and against the measure. You may look at the same information and reach different conclusions. What matters is that our community understands the proposal and participates in the decision. Please learn about the measure and vote by November 3.

Sincerely,

Rick Holt
Superintendent
Archuleta School District

The Archuleta School District Board of Education approved this updated attendance policy earlier this month. One of the biggest changes is how we identify and respond to attendance concerns: Rather than focusing on excused versus unexcused absences, we will focus on a student’s total attendance rate (the percentage of school days the student is present). This change reflects the fact that every absence represents missed instructional time, regardless of the reason. Families should read this new policy carefully, as it sets higher expectations for student attendance and explains how we will respond if attendance concerns continue.

This year, our approach is about support. Families can expect increased communication about attendance, including updates on their student’s current attendance rate. When we see attendance beginning to decline, we want to connect with families earlier, understand what may be getting in the way, and work together to find solutions before missed school significantly affects learning.

Every day matters. And we appreciate our families’ partnership in helping students be present, engaged, and ready to learn.

There is construction planned for the 1st Street intersection. This work is tentatively scheduled for the week of October 5. Crews plan to reduce the 1st Street intersection to one lane, with traffic alternating in each direction. Work will take place 24 hours/day, 7 days/week to expedite the process.

Families should plan ahead and allow plenty of time when driving through this intersection, especially those coming from east of Pagosa Springs. Alternatively, families may use Light Plant Road to access downtown.

For those individuals walking and biking to school, please remember to utilize open intersections and safe crossing points. Those safe crossing points currently include: 2nd Street, 3rd Street, Hot Springs Boulevard, Mid-Block 400 Block, 5th/Lewis, 6th, and 8th Streets.

Stay up to date on the project at codot.gov/projects/us160pagosasprings.